Clonking sound in gearbox - how quickly replace?

[LappInBrussel]

Hi,

I'm in Brussels, have 2001 Cooper that have, from what I gather, a common problem with the gearbox, it makes a knocking/whining sound when accelerate and de-accelerate (OK when you coast). A garage (not Mini) told me I needed to replace the gearbox (was a bit of a shock, was pretty sure it was linked to a problem I knew about in the cylindrical bearings).

Now, it's a 2000€ plus story so the garage basically said, if it does not get worse think twice about changing it (it would cost a 25-30% the worth of the car...).

Now, does anyone know how this things "break"? Does it just get worse, more difficult to change gears (you have to sync on 2nd, etc.) or does it just completely break down one blue day?

I don't drive a lot abut when I do it's usually some distance, hence my question.

Thanks in advance,

Magnus
Brussels

[mab01uk]

If it is the Midland gearbox failing then continuing to drive it normally results in the gearbox being damaged beyond economic repair or being used for 'exchange' reconditioning.

I have posted lots of useful information here which may help:
Early MINI Rover Midland Gearbox - Forums

Mini recon gearboxes |BMW MINI cheap gearboxes
Mini Gearboxes Ltd were featured in Modern MINI magazine (July-August 2010)
Their prices for an exchange recon gearbox and new clutch fitted to a MINI:
5-Speed Midland gearbox £595
5-Speed Getrag gearbox £690
6-Speed Getrag gearbox £750
Recon box supply only from £325
(Ask for a quote on upgrading from Midland to Getrag as additional parts are required.)

Main Dealers quote a minimum of 6 hours for job, 'Mini Gearboxes' fit up to 15 Midland gearboxes a week and have got the job down to around 4 hours by removing the front subframe only from below, instead of the modular front end/rads/bumper assembly. Full method with photos showing stage by stage in MM magazine above (Issue 41).

[LappInBrussel]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

If it is the Midland gearbox failing then continuing to drive it normally results in the gearbox being damaged beyond economic repair or being used for 'exchange' reconditioning.

I have posted lots of useful information here which may help:
Early MINI Rover Midland Gearbox - Forums

Mini recon gearboxes |BMW MINI cheap gearboxes
Mini Gearboxes Ltd were featured in Modern MINI magazine (July-August 2010)
Their prices for an exchange recon gearbox and new clutch fitted to a MINI:
5-Speed Midland gearbox £595
5-Speed Getrag gearbox £690
6-Speed Getrag gearbox £750
Recon box supply only from £325
(Ask for a quote on upgrading from Midland to Getrag as additional parts are required.)

Main Dealers quote a minimum of 6 hours for job, 'Mini Gearboxes' fit up to 15 Midland gearboxes a week and have got the job down to around 4 hours by removing the front subframe only from below, instead of the modular front end/rads/bumper assembly. Full method with photos showing stage by stage in MM magazine above (Issue 41).

Hi,

Thanks for the info. From your link I assume that I have a Midland gearbox (though I'd have to confirm it somehow). Now, I guess the gist of my question is, well was, how do you know when it's getting to that point?

Thanks,
Magnus

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by LappInBrussel (original)

I assume that I have a Midland gearbox (though I'd have to confirm it somehow).

Any Cooper model built prior to July 2004 will have a Midlands gearbox.

[mab01uk]

Quote: Originally Posted by LappInBrussel (original)

Hi,
Now, I guess the gist of my question is, well was, how do you know when it's getting to that point?

Thanks,
Magnus

If it is your gearbox, clonking and whining then you are already very near that point..............a bearing, etc, could suddenly break up and damage other parts beyond repair. Draining the gearbox oil/fluid will also give an indication of how much metal swarf is floating around and on the magnetic drain plug.