2002 Model - LOVE IT (though a bit pricy over the years to maintain) Replaced Tranny & Clutch at 65k (want to say it was around $4500, though everything I just checked out on line says it should have been much more - had it done by a dealership). Replaced clutch a month ago at 210k (Not dealership - $1,700 with an oil change). The tranny has had an odd whining and grinding noise for 6 months, that seems to go away when clutch petal is pressed down - disengaged. The shop(s) don't have an answer, even the one that works on a lot of these (relatively speaking that is). Just generally odd sounds are noticeable at low speeds (probably because I can't hear them at high speeds). Now, after just replacing the clutch a few weeks ago, I started getting a screech, grind, ugly noise from the left front end when starting out from 0 mph. Only lasts a second or two, and happening in the shift to 2nd sometimes. Then fine from there, and seems better once it has been driving a while and I start from stop again. I understand and can fix everything on a 1970's or earlier era vehicle, but this is my first 'modern' car and I don't have a way to get this thing high enough in the air for my big body to get under it and understand the dynamics. For lack of knowledge, I think the sound comes from the connection between the tranny and the left front wheel, at least that is where the noise seems to come from. Like a slipping, grinding, squeaking noise - briefly. Kind of noise that makes me think something is going to totally break and leave me stranded. Thoughts?

 

S or non?
The 5 speed midlands on the non s is notrious for various failures....

 

Just re-read it....
Is it getting louder? Hear it in turns? Check any of the bushings?

 

Bushings! Hmmmm, does kind of have that sound. Like a sloppy drive shaft. It did seem to start after I had to hit it hard from a stop to beat traffic out of a blind driveway - could have cracked an old bushing. Thanks.

Generally the front end is seeming 'weaker and more wobbly' now at 210k miles, brakes kind of shutter even though the shop says they are fine. Could it have bearing issues in the wheels? It is a 2002 so that original stiff suspension takes a lot of hard hits up here in PA with winters and potholes and back roads in bad repair. My body certainly feels every bump on the road, so she must also. What other items than bushings or bearings may be worth looking at?

 

Sounds like your going to need a trans. If you made 210k on the original, you got twice it's normal life out of it. I had one Cooper that had 240k that had 3 trans put in it.