Seems as though since the weather turned cooler, clutch seems stiff until MCS has 'warmed' up. I haven't really noticed this since '03. She's 'normal' after about 5 minutes. It's not a heavy stiffness...but seems different. Anyone else experience this?

 

OK...no response to previous post. Today, no stiff clutch. However, each time I pushed clutch in, it started to make a noise, approx. 3-5 inches from floorboard (hard to describe the noise...maybe like a 'springish' sound). Thoughts?

 

hmmm... never experienced this myself. I know when I originally bought my 2k3 MCS, the clutch was very stiff, course now it's as light as a feather with the flywheel/pressure plate/clutch upgrade I did a few months ago. Only thing I can think of is to possibly check your clutch slave cylinder and insure it's releasing and engaging properly. Not sure what could cause a "springy" sound like you describe, but hopefully someone here can offer you more incite. Is the sound originating from under the bonnet or by the clutch pedal? That info might help in pointing out the potential problem.

GotMINI

 

Do you hear/feel it right after you start your car, or does it show up after driving for a while?

 

Volki:
After 10 or so minutes, it begins. It's a sort of subtle, grindy feel/sound. Today, seems like there's not so much of a clutch (that is, there's not much at the top of the clutch). :impatient

 

You may want to have a professional look at it, preferably someone who knows MINI's, just to get an experienced opinion. Some things you just can't diagnose over the phone(internet)
--Dan