I am now regretting taking on the clutch replacement on my 2006 Cooper S.

Last night I was reconnecting the trans to the motor, in the process of tightening the bolts (which seemed to help close the gap between the motor and transmission) I heard an awful cracking sound. Oil began dripping from the back plate on the transmission (where it says Getrag on it with three circular shapes).

This piece cracked, I assume the input shaft was not lined up properly, and as the bolts were tightened it pushed the input shaft back into the trans case, causing the rear to splinter under tremendous pressure. (?)

Does anyone have any guesses as to how much damage I just did? Are we talking new transmission (as I'm assuming)?

 

Ouch. I'm sorry to say that you're looking at a new trans...

 

Really? Damn...

Is it even worth taking it to a shop to inspect?

 

Sorry that this happened to you, I just completed this project myself and while its very satisfying to have it done with no issues it is a scary job specially when reinstalling the tranny back. I know how you must feel. I wonder if maybe getting a non working tranny you could be able to switch internal parts, I'm not even sure if that's possible but I hope that the cost is not too great. I'll tell you this much, I don't want to do this job a second time but at least I know how to do it now.
I hope that you can find a cheap solution

 

Well that is pretty crappy. I didn't realize you could even get the bolts started without the trans input shaft at least partially into the clutch disk. I've never tried starting the bolts without having the trans all the way on and flush with the engine.

There is probably a bearing at the end of the input shaft but if you take that out you might be able to weld it back together since it's aluminum. Seems like you're just asking for trans failure further down the road though. Got any pictures?

The good news is that the Getrag transmission has been around for awhile and you might be able to find one reasonably priced from a scrapyard somewhere. I doubt Crazy Rays would have any Minis but you might be able to find one from another boneyard. Either that or Way Motor Works sells parts and might have a trans.

 

One thing I haven't tried is to try and spin the input shaft, but like you said, I'm kind of asking for failure later.

I've begun my search for transmissions, minimania asks an insane amount for one, on ebay they're a little more reasonable. I'll contact Way for sure.

 

There is a NorCal scrappy here.

http://www.usedminicooperparts.com