ok before you flog me for hitting wearbars on my tires in 10k miles. This weekend I also tossed my clutch...tossing means no longer works... *sigh* 10,700 miles... no clutch

I know I drive hard BUT a clutch at that low of milage??? I got an appointment tuesday but is there anything I should know about mini clutches dying?

-Josh

 

yeah, they are about 1000 bucks to change.

you sure you just didnt glaze it over or something?

 

SOME cars had deffective slave cylinders that kept the clutch from engaging properly, thus wearing them out early. Search around on this site.
John

 

What are the symptoms? Unable to engage clutch? Engages but just revs up and but the car does move?

 

I "lost" my clutch at 35,000 miles. And even with the low mileage they made me pay for it.

Even thought they told me at the time they had 3 other MINI's with less miles than that getting new clutches as well, and that it was common. Gold diggers. Grrr.

 

yea well the tech just came and talked to me... nad is trying to get it under warranty.... but no telling...

-Josh

 

Yes, the original post was lacking in details on the symptoms. Any weird noises or smells? You stated the clutch was bad, we're just trying to help...

 

well yes it smells like burning clutch but that was after the clutch pedal stuck to the floor... and me trying to get it moving....

-Josh

 

Hi Josh,

keep us updated on this item. i would like to know what ended up being wrong.

 

well it seems as if it has to do with the way I drive. I downshift to slow down and I do it constantly. Since I didn't just roast the clutch by slipping it thats about the only thing we can figure out would have caused it. So basically I get to buy a new clutch to the tune for $2k.... but lesson learned and I won't be getting any aftermarket parts because I NEED my car for work/school since it is my daily driver. I will be able to pick it up tomorrow and be on my way...

So for you actually listening out there brakes are cheaper than clutches... so no downshifting CONSTANTLY save it for the track or dragon or whatever but not all the time.

-Josh

 

Josh...I would say it's HOW you do it...not just doing it...if you can learn about rev matching (bliping the throttle) that would prolly help....if I am ever out that way...say dragoning...I'll be happy to show you...

 

well get out here and bring that mini of yours!

-Josh

 

and him

 

I'm confused. What did aftermarket parts have to do with this?

 

Nice to see you admitted to beating it.I did the same with a company car 20 years ago and learned my lesson when I had to pay.

 

what part actually failed? any photo's?

 

Ill see what I can get...

-Josh

 

You should talk to MINI USA if they are making you pay for it Josh. I had my clutch and flywheel replaced, under warranty, at 49700 miles. I have an AGS and a 19% pulley, as well as an aftermarket exhaust.

They gave me no troubles at my local dealership

 

Depends on your dealer and your relationship with the dealer.This isnt fair but its the way it goes.

 

Ill ask if I can have the actually parts then take pics o them...

-Josh

 

By Law you can see all your old parts.

 

Downshifting shouldn't hurt a clutch, don't let them get away with telling you that. Slipping it while you over rev the throttle by wire might, because you are burning up the clutch material then. Downshifts are pretty seamless and a precise engagement usually. I'd LUV to see a MINI tech or MINI rep put in writing that you can't downshift a manual transmission car, there really is no other way to drive them. I think they are hosing you with that claim, I'd climb the chain at MINI USA before I'd pay quite yet.

 

I have seen them but didn't have a camera...

-Josh

 

If you pay for them you have every right to see them returned.

 

Not sure, but I think here in California, you have the right to take them home. (Had a whole engine rebuilt once - I seem to recall initialling a box that said I did NOT want to take my old parts!)