Hi guys,

I'm going to try to explain this the best I can, so please don't laugh if I don't use right technical words I have done around 3k miles on my MCS (2006 model) and sometimes (not always) when pressing the clutch pedal to the downside position the action is not smooth. This not so smooth motion only appears on the lower part of "clutch travelling path". There is also a bit of noise on that part (which can be heard only when radio and AC off). Is this normal or do you have any idea what it could be?

Thanks in advance, Joey

 

I don't think that is normal (mine doesn't do it), and I would take it to the dealer ASAP.

-Cody

 

I think mine does the same thing - is it like a vibration in the travel, and it almost sounds like it needs some wd-40?

I took it to the dealer and they said they fixed it. They didn't. The clutch still works and grabs like normal, though. Next time I take it in, it will be on the list again.

mb

 

Yes I have the same thing, it's hard to describe but yes like it maybe needs some wd-40 My clutch also works/grabs as it should. I think I might go to the dealer, but after reading few posts on MINI2 as well, I think they'll say that it's OK.

How many miles do you have on your car and was your clutch like this from new?

 

Digging deep into my mental archives I think several people have had problems with the OEM flywheel and clutch "roughness" as you two are describing. I know someone who has actually delt with this in my club in AZ. I will ask him for more details but I am sure someone here will pipe up before I hear back from him. He ended up having his flywheel replaced by the dealer under warranty. Twice if memory serves me.

Definitely an issue for the dealer to look into. Mention the whole "flywheel" thing and you may get a deeper look by the techs than a quick "we fixed it" answer. Don't know if there was ever a TSB about it though as it is a somewhat rare problem.

 

That would be great jfunkmd if you could get some information about this from member of your club

Thanks

 

Journeyman,

I too had this trouble. It took a couple of trips to the dealer to get it straightened out. Here is what they did for me, they replaced the flywheel. My SA told me the flywheel is a 2-piece unit, and can get out of balance. Some how that causes the weirdness you feel. Right after they did the replacement, the pedal felt exactly as it should have in the beginning.

I fyou need part #s and so on, you'll have to wait til later tongiht. I am @ work right now, and the service records are all @ home.

There is a Techincal Service Bulletin (TSB) your SA should be able to check on.

Best of luck,

Jason

 

My clutch has also been feeling a bit weird. It usually starts off smooth but will eventually become a bit sticky when letting it out. This is especially noticeable when creeping in traffic. It even seems to go back to normal if I don't use it much after the traffic. Seems heat related but I'm not sure if it's the clutch or what. I'm very easy on the clutch so I doubt it gets overheated. Could I be having the same issue?

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

There you go

 

Thank you Xbook for this information, will take a trip to the dealer this week. And if it is not too much trouble for you please post part # when you can (you know just in case ).

Joey

 

Yes I have something similar to this. Sometimes it's not notecible at all and sometimes it is. But I'm not sure if it is heat related.

Hopefully dealer will fix that with new flywheel

 

I had trouble like this too...

It was a small part on the shaft that was catching...the clutch return spring or something or other.....I'll go see if I can find anything...deffo didn't need a new clutch plate or anything like that...

 

I too have this problem, '06 MCS w/LSD, 4200 mi, but problem has been noticeable for a while. Please keep us all posted.

 

As soon as I'll have some (new) information will post that here

 

My '04 just had its clutch & flywheel assembly replaced under warranty, but it wasn't this specific behavior...it was a very loud clatter at idle, that disappeared when I depressed the clutch. Kind of like the old valve clatter from the 70's cars. I have 28k miles. Does your car exhibit this noise?

My dealer agreed right off w/ a problem. Great thing was they also discovered a worn bearing in my "serpentine belt tensioner pulley" and that it had abnormally worn the serpentine belt. Love my dealer (MINI of Peabody) as they checked everything out, weren't just satisfied to have fixed the clutch issue I reported. They figured it was possible the clutch noise was masking the 2nd issue.

 

No noise like that. The only "noise" (not sure if I can call that noise) comes at the last part of clutch travelling path (as someone already mentioned maybe best description would be like it needs a bit of wd-40 ). It's more about a feeling that movement of pedal is not 100 % smooth (but not always).

 

The problem might be simpler than that. There is a plastic spring-like mechanism on the clutch pedal. Supposedly an assistance spring to help the clutch return to normal position. Mine broke at one point. Replaced under warranty, but it did give the clutch pedal a slight hitch when depressing it.

If you get way down under the pedals on the inside you can see it.

 

Yep, my Clutch return spring was sticky.

Spray a little oil or lithium grease under the dash on the spring and it clears it up.

 

Hi,

Just a quick update. Well I sprayed a bit of wd-40 on the spring and I have to say that clutch pedal feels better than before. Might spray a bit more and hopefully this will resolve the issue. In any case will keep you guys posted

Thanks 4 all your replys,

Joey

 

Hi guys,

Here is an update. Well that wd-40 thing helped for just few days and then the clutch felt the same as before. So I took my MINI to the dealer and they said that I need a new clutch. They couldn't tell me what was wrong but that I need a replacement. They changed it today under warranty and I have to say that this is how a clutch should feel from the beggining. Totally smooth motion

To all of you who experience the same as I was before, just take your MINI to the dealer for them to have a look.

Thank you NAMers once again for all your input

Regards,

Joey