[robbo mcs]

Hi,

On the track last weekend my car developed a terminal grinding noise, which was worse under heavy load, especially in third gear Sounded like a wheel bearing, when on throttle, but nothing off throttle. It progressively got worse over the weekend, which probably wasn't helped by me taking the car for "just one more" run

My mechanic informed me today that it is the "gearbox bearings". I'm not mechanical so I don't know much more than that. However, the problem is that BMW do not sell the bearings as a part, and will only sell a complete replacement gearbox at $Aus4700

I've done a few searches on NAM / mini2 today and can only find references to non OEM replacements for the 5 speed midlands box on the cooper. I can't find any vendors selling bearings or gearbox parts for the cooper S.

Has anyone in there travels come across vendors selling bearings / gearbox components? Anyone know what the bearing parts are? They must be common to many other cars. BTW the car is a 2002 build.

I suppose I can't really complain. the car has done 57,000km, out of which probably 40,000km has been rallying and racing, so it is not surprising major components are starting to fail However, I don't really want to fork out $4700 for an entire new gearbox unless absolutely necessary

Cheers

Robbo

[1320autos]

I would check out the local junk yards for a broken gearbox, when a cooper s gets hit in the front it usually does break the gearbox slve cylinder off.

[k-huevo]

If you are referring to the differential bearings that number is LM501349, it will require two and if the bearings are bad then most likely the races will have to be replaced also. There is a transmission input shaft bearing and two end bearings on the case but I don’t have those numbers; when you split the gear box you can read the them off the bearing retainers. If the input shaft bearing is replaced be sure to replace the seal (available from MINI). Locally, bearings can be purchased through auto parts stores like NAPA and bearing supply distributors for industrial use. SKF of Germany manufactures the MINI bearings but the part numbers will also be good for other makes. I’m using Timken of the U.S.A.; I've been told to avoid China and Taiwan makes but Japanese bearings are of good quality.

[k-huevo]

Here’s a link to an overview for removing the transmission plus splitting the case MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring - Clutch, Flywheel, and Quaife Install Overview and somewhere in there is a photo of the differential with bearings, the races are on each case half. Here is a photo from Dr. Mike (MeV Engineering and Performance) and edited by me showing the other three bearings, the green square is the input shaft bearing and the red circles are the end bearings; the differential race is on the left.

[robbo mcs]

Hi,

Thankyou for you help, which is very useful

Cheers

Robbo

[New-Mini-Owner-07]

Hi,

I bought my MC second hand just last week, done 51k on a 02 plate.
On the way home I noticed a grinding noise and this too has got worse over the last few days, I have been told by a mechanic that the gearbox needs replacing but after reading some of the comment son this website I was hoping somebody might be able to give mesome better news and tell me that I don't need the gearbox replaced.

Can I just get the gearbox bearings replaced and the gearbox put back together??

Please help!!