Strange noise pulling off in first gear.

[philz]

Quote: Originally Posted by JustACooperClubman (original)

The clutch in my R53 S was replaced a year and a half ago when the car had 25K miles. The clutch pedal had a horrid "farting" noise when pressing down on the pedal. It was found that the release springs in the clutch plate were dry and wearing unevenly. New clutch fitted under warranty. However, the factory dual mass flywheel was not replaced.

Now the car is back at the dealer. The same exact pedal farting noise as I had back then (Now the car has 51K miles). Also, my flywheel squeals in the morning when the car is still cold.

MINI did release a newly updated dual mass flywheel that corrects the Chewbacca noise and it is also better dampened for vibration. However, the clutch kit part numbers are the same.

MINI has a "silent" TSB on this problem. The TSB number is SI M21 04 08 dated September 2008... Here is a copy:

SI M21 04 08
ClutchSeptember 2008
Technical Service


This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M21 04 08 dated August 2008.

designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Howling Noise from Transmission while Engaging Clutch


MODEL
R52, R53 with W11 ( Cooper S, Cooper S Convertible) with GS6-85BG manual transmission


SITUATION
A loud howling can be heard from the front of the car when engaging the clutch and pulling away from a stationary position. The noise is more pronounced when the vehicle is cold, but weather and driving conditions do not have an influence.

CAUSE
Clutch release system

PROCEDURE
On a customer complaint basis, replace the dual mass flywheel, friction disc, pressure plate, release bearing and guide tube. In addition, the engine to transmission alignment dowels must be replaced. Refer to RA 21 21 500, Removing and installing/replacing clutch.

PARTS INFORMATION
Vehicles produced up to 7/2004

21 20 7 548 804
Dual Mass Flywheel
1
21 20 7 551 383
Clutch Kit
1
23 11 7 551 719
Guide Tube
1
07 10 1 485 190
Dowel
2
Vehicles produced from 7/2004

Part Number
Description
Quantity
21 20 7 548 804
Dual Mass Flywheel
1
21 20 7 551 384
Clutch
1
23 11 7 551 719
Guide Tube
1
07 10 1 485 190
Dowel
2
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the MINI New Vehicle Limited Warranty.


Notice that MINI is also instructing changing the engine to transmission alignning dowels as part of the repair.

Here is my recommendation.... Get this taken care of even if the noise suddenly dissapears or there is no apparent damage being made. The clutch is a critical part of your drivetrain and you would want it to be in tip top shape. Would you drive around with an engine or gearbox making weird noises?

When you say "Covered under the terms of the MINI New Vehicle Limited Warranty." does this mean that my Mini Cherished car will be covered?