I have 02 MCS recently installed the stock luk clutch and fly wheel (less than 100 miles since change).I replaced throw out bearing and the inner seals on the bell housing during replacement. I replaced the clutch slave cylinder, bled it by compressing the piston all the way and using a Motive power bleeder. Got the Mini all back together seemed to be doing fine after a couple of test drives. But this week when I put the car in reverse (goes into reverse fine no grinding) it starts out going backwards about 3 feet then the car slams to a stop and won't go backwards. If i put it back into first roll forward a foot then back into reverse it starts backing again okay for a few feet and slams to stop again. All of the other gears (for now) are working fine. It is only reverse that has the issues. Any ideas as to why this would happen? Is the transmission failing?

 

Check your CV shafts for a damaged joint.

 

I replaced the right axle two years ago. Hope it hasn't failed... But I will check them both again.

 

Joint was bad. I replaced the axle and joint and it is working great.