I have squeak when I press and hold in the clutch. I can slightly feel a faint swirling as well. I am not sure what it is? I am hoping that a clutch job is not necessary. Could it just be that the gear oil is low or am I looking at a clutch job?

 

It's one of the signs that your clutch is going bad and would require a clutch job. Whenever you do a clutch job on a MINI, the flywheel should be replaced as well.

I had my clutch squeak when depressed for about 10 months. It's basically a rubbery feeling when you depress it. After the clutch job, that feeling went away. MINI clutches are really hit or miss. Some people get over 100K miles on them, while others have them fail at less than 30K miles. Of course, the way you drive also effects the longevity of the clutch. What I like to ask is how many miles does your clutch have.

 

I'm not sure whether it is really "hit or miss" with the clutch lifespan.

Different driving styles and conditions can easily explain a difference of 25K vs 100K miles lifespan. Since the only time the clutch wears is when it is engaging, if one person uses the clutch 4X more than another person, then that would explain a 25K vs 100K lifespan.

 

That I am not sure? I bought it last year at 72k and I am not sure if it was changed before that or not? I am at 92k now, I was really hoping that there was some kind of quick fix for this issue but apparently not? If they get changed at 100k I guess I'll go around and get some quotes. What kind of price am I looking at?

 

roughly 1500 for new clutch/flywheel and labor to get it in

 

If your opting for a clutch change remember to change the clutch as well. Just a friendly reminder that the OEM dual mass flywheel cannot be reused/resurfaced. If you search around NAM you can find a more detailed answer as to why you won't be able to use it. If you purchase a aftermarket clutch/flywheel kit, it would be cheaper than buying one from the dealership unless you can find a new OEM clutch/flywheel kit on eBay or something. My CM FX200 and CM Flywheel cost me about $840 shipped. Installation is a 10 hours job (by the book) and it does require all that time. Find a good place with a good reputation that can offer the job for a good price. A dealership can charge you up to $2000 on just labor. Some people can get it done for $750. Shop around; I'd say if you can get it done for less than $1000, your gold.

 

Sounds like your Cooper is having the same issue as ours (I know it says I have an S in my sig - but my wife has a Cooper)

Just started today - squeal/squeek when clutch pressed in. Doesn't completely go away when you let the clutch out either, but it mostly goes away. I opened the hood, and it smells like burnt clutch.

The weird thing is - there is no slipping at all!

Ours is an 03 Cooper, 69K miles. And to think I was more worried about the Midlands gearbox...

 

FYI - I'm getting our Cooper back tomorrow. The car is done but I can't get there any sooner.

The mechanic said the throwout bearing "exploded" (his words) and took out a chuck of the flywheel! Complete clutch job, plus a new battery (since the original battery is now 6.5 years old)...

 

How much did it cost ya if you dont mind?

 

I'll get the bill when I pick it up later today - should be around $1500 not counting the battery...

 

The clutch bill was right around $1500 just as I thought - my total included a new battery, and of course, sales tax...

The car shifts better than it ever did before. Dave did a great job. If you're in NJ, consider bringing your car here:

http://www.njautobahn.com/

 

You know, I was just going to start my own thread with a similar problem. Today I noticed with the windows down, because you can't hear it with them up, I can here faint little clicks as I push in the clutch or let it out. The pedal feels fine, its just the little clicks? There is about 5 or 6 clicks constant, doesn't matter how slow or fast I use the clutch. Any Ideas?

Otherwise I am going to call the dealer, see what they think it is.