Quick question about the free play at clutch pedal. Im working on a R50 and found there to be about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch freeplay at the clutch pedal pad before it engages the clutch master. I can get my hand in there and move rod until it engages master. My R53 has zero. Seems like there should be an adjustment on the rod going from the pedal to the master to take up this slack? Clutch master was just replaced by previous owner. What do you find in your Coopers?

 

On my 2005 R50, with the Getrag 5 speed (not the Midlands used until 2004), the clutch is very low compared to other cars I drive, so low that it has taken me hundreds of miles to get somewhat smooth with it. Sadly, there is no adjustment for the pedal. Why, I have no idea... The only things I can think to try (and have not done yet) would be a fluid flush of the brake fluid (which is shared with the clutch) as well as a good and proper bleeding or a replacement of both cylinders. The bleeding procedure for these cars is not easy, so do some research before you take it on and do it right. Also, remember that you need a little freeplay at the top in every manual vehicle. This keeps the throwout bearing from riding the pressure plate fingers and wearing it out. The MINI does not have the most robust throwout bearing in the world, as it is mostly made of plastic.

 

Thank you for the information. I wanted to see if there was an issue with the clutch master in this R50 based on clutch feel with my R53. I know the transmission is made by a different manufacturer but couldn’t see why the method of clutch release would differ based on manufacturer. Clutch working good just feels odd to me.

 

I don't like mine either. Mine has maybe 2 inches of takeup in it when I am used to around 4 in my old Nissan truck (with all new clutch, trans and hydraulics). Going from one vehicle to another to shuffle my fleet in the driveway is quite confusing!

 

I agree as Im also not a fan of this system in the R50 the R53 is much more responsive.

 

Found most of my pedal play. Previous owner had the master and slave replaced. Looks like they broke or misplaced the pin connecting the master to the pedal and replaced it with a nut and bolt.... Painful

 

Installed the proper pin at the pedal. Clutch is now very much like the R53