I'm in the process of replacing (or at least flailing about and futilely trying to replace) a grenaded throwout bearing.

The transmission is free of the engine and I'm attempting to bring it clear without having to unplumb and remove all the wiring, generally endure the butt-pain of removing the entire unit. Unfortunately even with 40mm of air between the bellhousing and the block the trans isn't fully disentangled and will not come down.

Am I essentially stuck with having to move the damn jackstands off the subframe, find more suitable places for them, and just dropping the entire shebang?

 

According to the Bentley Manual, at page 230-9, "Front subframe removal is a necessary prerequisite to transmission removal without engine removal."

 

If the subframe structure/mounting points are anything like most vehicles you can def drop it without using jack stands or even a jack. I'm no mini expert but I def don't see the tranny coming out from the top without taking the engine/tranny out as a whole. Just unscrew the subframe bolts 1/8-1/4 inch off at a time and the subframe will drop on its own.

 

Having done this job many times, I have looked at it every which way trying to avoid the aforementioned butt-pain, without avail. Sorry- Bite the bullet, man.

 

Another method I've done on other cars is removing the lower engine mount with a jack under the engine and drop the frame by backing up the bolts like I mentioned before. This will give you the clearance you need under neath without having to remove the subframe or drop the engine. Plus you can control the engines angle enough to let input shaft get by. Good luck

 

Christhian: Are you speaking from experience with a first generation MINI?

 

Def not a mini expert but I'm a tech and I've worked on everything from Hondas to jags and Astons. Normally the sub frame acts like a cradle so what I normally do on vehicles of this design is drop the frame with tranny. The engine gets its lower mounts removed and is then supported by an engine jack if your on a lift or a floor jack if its on jack stands. The subframe is then dropped low enough to give the tranny enough clearance to be removed. I've been able to do many clutch jobs on my own using this method WITHOUT any assistance. All you need is two floor jacks or one jack and a friend to help you to drop/install tranny.