Hi all,

I have a 2006 MINI S, only mod is a JCW CAI.

Latley I've noticed that the car is making a new noise. Usually its only when I first start the car after it hasn't been started in a while (i.e. overnight), and it's only coming out of first gear.

I get this kind of low screech while letting out the clutch, sounds like its coming from under the hood, not the pedal or anything... and the clutch doesn't feel weird like it's slipping or anything, just the noise!

any clues?

 

a little more searching and i've found some responses here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=124255

 

It is probably the interface between the clutch disc and the flywheel, there are a variety of names for the noise and it is widely reported. Depending on the dealership they may or may not be willing to replace the clutch and flywheel. I have the “Chewbaca howl” as I call it and it occurs under the same circumstances you cited. In my opinion, if there are no other symptoms such as pulsating clutch pedal, grating feel, and clutch slip, just put up with the intermittent noisy embarrassment rather than subject your vehicle to risks associated whenever a major undertaking like dropping the gear box entails; unless that is, you want to upgrade components. Local techs have told me replacing the clutch and flywheel is no guarantee the noise will not return; mine started when I installed the latest models of clutch disc, pressure plate, and flywheel.

 

I've had the same problem over the last several months and took the car into the Dealer for it's 2nd inspection check on the second of Jan. I told the SA about what was going on and wonder of wonders he said they would replace the clutch, which they did. No hassels or dorking around. The tech noted on the warranty report that the clutch was glazed and needed to be replaced. I've read on other posts that in some cases the flywheel was also replaced. The SA also said the problem had to be taken care of before the 36K maint. warranty ran out. In my case I was within 2K of that. From what I've read it must be up to the Dealer to make the decision to replace it, as there are posts where the Dealer refused. Get it to your Dealer and good luck.

 

I guess I should have paid more attention to your post but regardless, good luck!!

 

I and many other people on here also have this noise. I used to think it was cold weather related but have now decided that it is mostly moisture related in cooler weather (the weather where you get more condensation, not necasarily rain)... In very cold dry morning it does not do it but if there is a cold high humidity morning it will do it.