Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Sandy Shifter?--need help...

Old Dec 12, 2003 | 11:46 AM
  #1  
~Scooper~'s Avatar
~Scooper~
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: NoVA
OK, so I have an aftermarket shift **** on my MCS...and it's a little heavier than the stock ****. I've had it on there since spring, and never noticed any problems. This morning, as I was pulling off the highway near work, I noticed a "sandy" or "gritty" feel as I shifted between gears. Nothing major, but not as smooth and mechanical as before. Also, there seems to be a little looseness when I pull it out of gear into neutral. Again, nothing major, but I never noticed it before.

I drive past a MINI dealership on the way to work anyway, so I pulled in and had them look at it. They claim that there doesn't seem to anything really wrong, and that if anything, the extra weight of the shift **** may be affecting the shift linkage, even deteriorating the parts. I'd never heard of this before, but it seems to be in the realm of possibilities. Needless to say, I'll be replacing the stock **** for now, to see if that helps...if not, they told me to bring it back in with the stock **** attached.

So, any advice or experience with this? Could it be the ****?

Thanks!

_________________
<IMG SRC="https://www.northamericanmotoring.co....jpg"> BLK MCS All 3 packages...I call him...Buster.
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2003 | 06:01 AM
  #2  
~Scooper~'s Avatar
~Scooper~
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: NoVA
*bump*

Anyone? Just a little advice/experience needed...

(Thank god for warantees)
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2003 | 06:50 AM
  #3  
OmToast's Avatar
OmToast
OVERDRIVE
20 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,365
Likes: 2
From: Yinzer in Exile
Ok... I know nothing of any importance about transmissions/shifters but maybe people will respond to refute what I'm saying and that aould get you somewhere :smile:

I have a Whalen shift **** (heavy) and I haven't noticed any change *for the worse* in shift-feel. It's just all wonderful. I haven't had the it for a terribly long time, though--just since fall, for perhaps 1500 miles or so.

While the Whalen is absolutely heavier, it doesn't seem like it would really be THAT big a deal--I obviously don't know about your **** ( :smile:
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2003 | 06:55 AM
  #4  
NRX13's Avatar
NRX13
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
hope this helps:

http://www.rogueengineering.com/Merc...gory_Code=SNNN
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2003 | 08:12 AM
  #5  
flyboy2160's Avatar
flyboy2160
4th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
>>hope this helps:
>>
>>http://www.rogueengineering.com/Merc...gory_Code=SNNN


mr. free body diagram engineer chimes in again: i don't know that the rougue analysis applies to a mini. it may apply to a shifter sticking right out of the transmission, as in one of the rwd bmws or a miata. but the mini shift column is supported by a cross pivot that seems sturdy enough to take the vertical weight of more than the stock ****. in addition, to move the shafts in the mini transmission, the end of the shift column moves in a plane normal to the weight of the column.

flyboy2160

p.s. and no, i don't have a whalen/weighted ****; i think the idea is ridiculous. i just cut down my shifter shaft to shorten the throw. but my not liking the weighted ***** doesn't mean they caused your problem..

 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2003 | 10:44 AM
  #6  
~Scooper~'s Avatar
~Scooper~
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: NoVA
Thanks folks...(and you Om...naughty!)

I agree about the weight of an arm and/or heavy throw having more influence. I have big arms (but try to go easy on my shifts, and don't push them). I've got a Whalen too, and love it, and am hoping that's not the problem. Of course, right now in the Mid-Atlantic, the Whalen is FREEZING, so I may switch back to the stock **** anyway until spring. The problem isn't serious, and I may just have my younger brother (a mechanic) take a look at it over Christmas...

Thanks again!
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2003 | 02:59 PM
  #7  
jlm's Avatar
jlm
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,253
Likes: 0
From: NY NY
every time the vehicle velocity changes (that is, there is an acceleration), either in magnitude, direction or both, the shift **** has to be accelerated as well or it would not stay in the car. The force applying this is applied through the shift linkage to the ****, and if the **** is heavier, the force has to be greater. These force aqpplicaitons will be extremely frequent, especially compared to gearshift events.
I would imagine that with a heavy enough ****, sooner or later the force required would equal that to shift the trans, so you could auto-downshift from 4th to 3rd by just braking and stepping on the clutch.
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2003 | 03:37 PM
  #8  
flyboy2160's Avatar
flyboy2160
4th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
>>every time the vehicle velocity changes (that is, there is an acceleration), either in magnitude, direction or both, the shift **** has to be accelerated as well or it would not stay in the car. The force applying this is applied through the shift linkage to the ****, and if the **** is heavier, the force has to be greater. These force aqpplicaitons will be extremely frequent, especially compared to gearshift events.
>>I would imagine that with a heavy enough ****, sooner or later the force required would equal that to shift the trans, so you could auto-downshift from 4th to 3rd by just braking and stepping on the clutch.


flyboy2160
 
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2003 | 09:30 PM
  #9  
BlueMCS's Avatar
BlueMCS
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 799
Likes: 0
From: East
>>I would imagine that with a heavy enough ****, sooner or later the force required would equal that to shift the trans, so you could auto-downshift from 4th to 3rd by just braking and stepping on the clutch.<<

jlm -

With your new engine will you be able to do a 3->4 as well?

You will really have to be Whalen!
:smile:
 
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2003 | 03:39 AM
  #10  
jlm's Avatar
jlm
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,253
Likes: 0
From: NY NY
my new rig will bw whalen so hard it will auto-upshift from 1st to second.
 
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2003 | 03:17 PM
  #11  
BlueMCS's Avatar
BlueMCS
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 799
Likes: 0
From: East
I know, that's why I need the LSD....just to keep up with you and your designated drivers. :smile:


 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RobbyD
MINIs & Minis for Sale
11
Jan 29, 2019 01:22 PM
02miniSguy
Drivetrain (Cooper S)
7
Nov 17, 2015 10:29 PM
vetsvette
MINI Parts for Sale
0
Oct 1, 2015 12:59 PM
MINI Stupor
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
3
Oct 1, 2015 11:36 AM
aldito2
MINIs & Minis for Sale
0
Sep 30, 2015 10:44 AM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:08 PM.