When I release the clutch in first gear I get a loud squealing noise. Any idea what the problem is? It only does it in first gear.

Also it seems to get louder as the car warms up.

I took it to the dealer but they are telling me if it's wear and tear it would cost me $4000!!!! to replace the clutch. They also said the only way to find out what the problem is to tear the car apart and it is an 8 hour job to do that.

For sake it's a 09 Mini with 14k miles on it. I don't race my car and most of my driving is done on the freeway.

Would appreciate any feedback.

 

Sounds like a bad throwout bearing. Don't EVEN let them bully you into paying for a repair - it's a warranty issue, period.. unless they can somehow prove abuse, which they can't because there hasn't been any.

 

Thanks Kevin. Further search on the forums seem to show problems with premature clutch and throwout bearings. Could a bad throwout bearing cause unnecessary damage to the clutch?