I just changed the oil in my transmission to the Redline fluid about a month ago when I was doing a major service on the car. The clutch died earlier this week. All of the manuals, videos, and forum posts I have found say to drain the trans fluid. I have never drained it doing a clutch job on other cars. Is is required on the Mini trans for some reason? I can't think of a reason why I would need to other than to make it lighter. Also, aside from the guide tube, bushings, and rear main seal, is there anything else I should replace while at this stage? I have serviced the supercharger recently and changed the engine mounts.

 

 

Agreed. Trans removal can be messy, but I generally don't remove the fluid unless its time for a change. If you use the $90 transmission jack from Harbor Freight; removal becomes an doable one-man job or an easy two man job and significantly reduces the possibility of a spill. If you do spill, just be sure to top it off when you reinstall.

 

If the redline fluid you put in is pretty new, just drain it into a clean container, and reuse it.

 

Thanks for the responses guys. I have another question now. The shaft on my new throw out bearing from valeo isn't cenetered. See below. Has anyone seen this before? Think I should send it back?

 

I don't think it really matters....I would just install the thing. The only time the throwout bearing it turning is when the clutch pedal is pressed in......not a big deal as far as I'm concerned.

 

Thanks. That is kinda what I was thinking but wanted a second opinion. I'm curious if anyone has had issues with the Valeo bearing. I noticed it is mostly plastic vs the stock one is mostly metal.

 

I've got a bit over 10k miles on my valeo clutch kit and I haven't had any issues or signs of issues. Super happy thus far.

 

 

Yeah....it feels light...really light! You get used to it really quick.

 

 

Hello all, I've got a 2010 Clubman R55 which needs a clutch. I like a firm clutch pedal. My car is not an S, and i've been told the engine does not warrant the extra cost of a Stage 1 clutch but i really really don't want to spend $1500 and end up with a light clutch pedal. I'm concerned that you say the Valeo clutch gives a really light feel; can anyone tell me if the stock Mini clutch is stiffer? I'd pay more to get the stiff pedal, has anyone used a Stage 1 clutch in a base mini? Thank you, Bill