My MINI shredded a belt the other day. I figured it was just a bad belt, so I put another one on that was promptly shreded as well. On closer inspection it's pretty clear that my crank pulley is shot. The black rubber boot that surrounds the center of the pulley is cracked and torn, and the pulley sits about half an inch outside of alignment with the other pulleys. Could this have just been a bad part or could my 17% reduction pulley have caused excess stress on the pulley and caused it to fail, or do these things just happen? It's currently at the mechanic and I'm hoping thas the crank pulley is the only problem, and it's not something more serious. The only mods I have are the pulley and a CAI. Any insight?

 

The early model (2003) crankshaft pulley is prone to failure; replace it with the new OEM version 11-23-7-525-135.

 

Depending on the year of the car there has been a few problems with early pulley speration. MINI changed to a smaller lighter pulley in 05 and I have not heard of any problems.

 

This is an 04. A new OEM pulley is on it's way from a dealer, hopefully this is the only thing wrong with it.

 

I just had my crank pulley fail/seperate on my 2005 MCS at 60k miles. It trashed the casing pretty good next to that as well, so replacing that at the same time. 15% pulley, CAI, Alta exhaust, pretty common bult-ons. Very surprised at this type of failure with that mileage.

 

Doesn't it make ya think there might be some harmonics or vibrations going on down there???
Just think if you had a solid pulley on it, what part would take up and dampen that energy?

 

My crank pulley just failed on my '05 with 33k miles. I too thought the belt broke, but I guess it was intact according to my tech. It sounds just like your's, it failed in the center rubber piece.

My tech said that my 15% s/c pulley could have placed a bit more stress on the crank pulley causing it to fail. Who knows though.

 

Yeah, thankfully the belt didn't break and it was still driveable. The Battery/Alternator light came on last Saturday just as I pulled in a parking lot. I opened the bonnet and the drive belt wasn't spinning at all, this was with the car idling/running and the A/C on. I turned off the A/C and the belt began spinning again and the light went off, and I started to drive it home, figuring I'd take it to the dealer first thing Monday. As soon as I got on the freeway, the Service Engine Soon light came on, the EML light came on and it went into "limp mode". I slowly made my way up the offramp to a parking lot where i shut it off, waited a few seconds, and then restarted. The EML light cleared, but the SES stayed on. I drove it around the business complex a bit, and it seemed to run okay, so drove it home, then to the dealer Monday morning, where they found the crank pulley issue. It's repaired now, and running great again. I had them leave the parts in the car so I could see what was left of the pulley, but didn't get a chance tonight, will look tomorrow and post some pics, if they really show anything.

 

Well, I didn't get the parts, when i called they were already done, but I'll take a closer look this weekend when its on some jack stands.

Regardless, those of us with 05s and 06s should NOT assume this crank pulley issue from the 02-04s has been truly fixed by this newer part. I'd suggest having it looked at anytime you take your Mini in for service or if your a do-it-yourself person, give it a good inspection with oil changes.

 

I already have a spare sitting in the garage.

 

Exactly what should we look for as far as a failing pulley?

My MCS has had a chattering sound coming from the passenger side of the motor when under acceleration for quite some time.

Also, what kind of job is it to replace the pulley?

I replaced the belt in April, not because it was destroyed but just felt it was time.

 

I heard a clicking noise from the belt area for a month or two before the pulley failed, not sure if that was related. Replacing the pulley seemed like too hard of a job for me, which is why I took it in. It sounds like with the right tools that its not too hard of a job, though.

 

So, these light weight crank pulleys from Alta, are they a better choice for holding up and not failing like the stock pulleys?

 

Did you think about that question I posed?

 

No, quite frankly I hadn't