I've seen a few threads about throw out bearings deciding to explode and the housings being repaired/replaced and wanted to get some input on what i found when i opened the case on my 06 Cooper S.

Background: Was driving along and heard that distinct TOB whine, figured i would have a few days to get parts/time to get it apart. I wasn't that lucky. I was driving back to work and felt the clutch pedal behaving erratically and the clutch not disengaging or engaging constantly. We get the car home up on stands and the case off to find the throwout bearing has gone ballistic, dings all over the trans. housing and pressure plate, and the bearing is in pieces (see pics).

When the bearing blew it managed to chip or destroy some of the supports on the sides of the housing. (pics)

How critical are these housings to the strength of the case? should I look at getting some reinforcement welded in place of the old supports or would the case be fine without the couple that have been compromised?

Thanks!

 

http://www.promini.com/technical/coo...ch_failure.php

 

Don't bother getting it welded. its not critical to function. definitely replace the guide sleeve (and clutch parts) though.

 

Thanks!

Were not going to stress about replacing the reinforcements but, we wil be cleaning up the case and giving it a thorough once-over thise weekend to get an idea of what exactly need replacing.