R-53 clutch problem
2005 MCS with only 26,900 miles. Today the clutch pedal went to the floor with NO warning. Just before it went "kapoop", I had a hard time getting it in 3rd gear. Evidently the slave cyl wasn't getting the clutch disengaged. I checked the fluid and it is full. Had it towed to a local garage that has had some Mini experience, but no Mini dealers in this area. Any suggestions as to what may have happened? Had this car for less than 3 months and it is like "new" inside and out. Previous owner is my brother and he took immaculate care of it. Maybe some sort of linkage problem? Hope it isn't in the clutch assy. !! Thanks for any advice - Skip

(Hope this is posted in the correct place)

 

First off, I'm not a clutch expert. However, my impression is either them master or slave cylinder went bad. If memory serves, I have read other posts about slave cylinders acting up. If that's the problem, the good thing is it's a low-cost part, and that can be replaced without pulling your clutch apart. Usually, slave cylinders affect ease of shift in 1st and 2nd gears. Not exactly sure how it works with the MINI setup.

The other thing that comes to mind is perhaps your throwout bearing broke. They are made of nylon. That will require taking the transmission apart to get to it. If this is the case, please make sure you get the MINI special clutch realignment tool. If memory servers, they are only $10.

If that shop is not able to fix it properly, at least try to see if there is a Euro specialist in the area. You would have a better chance there; the one near me actually has a MINI-certified tech on staff. Keep us posted on what happens.

 

Sounds like your slave cylinder, the good thing it is cheap and easy to replace. The bad is it is a pain to blead, make sure you have piston completely compressed when bleeding. Good luck.

 

THANKS guys - for the input. I knew I could get some "positive" replies here. Ya know one needs "positive" when all you're thinking is "negative". haaa
I'll let you know what we find this week --------- Skip

 

Seems to be a common failure among hydraulic clutch actuators, at least with foreign cars. My 2000 Miata had the slave cylinder go at around 45,000 miles. Barely made it home with a sloppy clutch pedal. Fortunately, I had a new spare on hand and swapped it out in about 1 hour. Already have my Mini spare slave on hand for the day it goes. 64,000 miles and counting!

Eric

 

It was a bad slave cyl just like all of you suggested. I even went to the Ralph Schomp Mini dealer's web site http://www.ralphschompmini.com/ContactUsForm
and filled out a maintenance questionaire. Received a phone call from them on Monday with the suggestion it was the slave cyl. GOOD NEWS - the cyl is supposed to be delivered today and I will possibly get the Mini back today also!

Do any of you have any suggestions as to who I should look at for buying an EXTENDED warranty for this Mini plus my '05 Tundra? Both vehicles have very LOW mileage, but that doesn't mean anything, as I now know. I just want to be prepared "just in case".

thanks again for the postings and help ------------ Skip

 

Hoping it is the the slave cylinder. As mentioned previously, bleed it as much as you need.

I bought an extended warranty through the dealership here. Not sure if it's offered on an '05, and they may not be offering one for 1st-gen MINIs at all now. Inquire to find out. Here's a writeup I did last year in our local forum: http://www.hrmini.com/component/opti.../topic,3704.0/.

 

UPDATE: Got the Mini back home yesterday. The tech told me they did bleed the slave cyl a LOT, but there is still some air in the system. Hopefully I'll get the old clutch pedal feel back soon. Told me the more I use it the faster those tiny bubbles causing a low, soft pedal, will disappear. After watching a You -Tube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68PIYbXk1nc , I could have done this myself, but I'm new to the Mini and thought I really needed help this time. Thanks again for the advice - Skip

 

JJF - thanks for the info on warranties. I see you live in the Hampton Roads area. I was stationed at Langley from 1972 - 1974 on C-130s. We lived in Hampton, on Fox Hill Rd.

 

If you have a low, soft pedal, I would have them rebleed the system, you have to have that piston completly compressed to get all the air out and properly bleed. You should have normal peddle feel after being bleed.

Brad