Clutch or gearbox?

[Chris155]

Hi,

I've tried doing a search but i'm having problems with the spam filter.

A friend of mine has asked me to have a look at their 03 reg Mini Cooper. 30k miles.

The clutch pedal feels very light to me, not a lot of back pressure. Its making various screeching types noises whether the pedal is on the floor or not. I ran it for 5min in neutral and an acrid smell started to eminate. It didn't smell like friction plate material burning.

It will not go into gear at all but if you try and push it into 1st it will start to edge forward so I don't think its the gearbox.

Are there any known issues with the clutch? Release bearing? Seems a bit pants at 30k....

Gearbox issues?

I assume the clutch is hydraulically acctuated?

It was dark when I looked at it earlier tonight so that's all the info I have.

Please help! I'm an accomplished mechanic so please fell free to get technical.

[Capsaisin]

Just a guess here.

Slave cylinder has leaked. So no hydraulic pressure to operate the clutch.
Acrid smell is possibly fluid that has squirted out onto the exhaust.

I would start there anyway.

[Chris155]

but its not that kind of smell,

[djr4f]

Clutch and gear box problem

i have had the same problem with my mini of the same year MINI ONE 02... but the thing is BMW MINI changed the gear box under warrenty but the clutch i had to pay for... i am seeing that ppl are having the same problem with there cars...


i am thinking of taking this up with first mini... to see what they can do... then watch dog or the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).. but to do this i need ur help people we should not pay for this problem if everyone is having the same problem..

please contact me on djr4f@hotmail.com

WE SHOULD GET OUR MONEY BACK