HELP... Noise when setting off...

[Big_Si]

Hi, sorry if this has already been brought up before but need some help diagnosing this issue.

There is a weird squeal noise or like a metal grinding when setting off in 1st gear or reversing when i first get into my car after its been stood for a while (ie over night) Its when u get the biting point on the clutch and happens a few times before then going away as if oil isnt getting somewhere first thing.

I recently changed my gearbox oil and seams to be getting worse since doing that. Although it was doing it before but not as bad. I changed it as the dif was making a noise when i made turns at low speeds so changed it and that noise has gone but am now getting this one instead

I have checked the levels and ive got as much in as possible but am thinking it might still not have enough in there if that could be the issue??

Anyone had this before and if so whats the fix?

Also whats the best way of getting more oil into the gearbox without having to take it off?

Cheers in advance

[Big_Si]

Anybody got any ideas at all??

[XRV848]

From your description (noise when at the clutch biting point) it would probably indicate the clutch release bearing or a dual-mass flywheel problem. Neither of these will be affected by gearbox oil but if it's leaking onto the clutch then it's possible (but unlikely) that the clutch is slipping and making a squealing noise. It does, however, sound as if you've drained the gearbox and not refilled it properly, in which case you may have bearing noise. The correct way to fill the gearbox is through the level plug on the side of the gearbox casing, see here for some pictures:
ToTehMoon Blog Part R56 MINI Cooper S Manual Transmission Fluid Change

[SirRawlins]

Hi Big_Si,

I've just picked up a JCW and having what seems like a similar issue to you.

When the car is sat for a while, maybe a few hours or a day, the first few times pulling away make a squeaking noise.

To me, it doesn't sound like the clutch, although it maybe, it sounds like the brakes perhaps?

Once the car is warmed up the issue goes away, until next time it's cold.

I've attached a recording of the sound for anyone.

http://f.cl.ly/items/1Z121v0H2u0s1U0V0U45/Memo.m4a

Robert

[mab01uk]

As you say sounds more like the noise you sometimes get from cold brakes.

[caschumann]

I am having the same problem in my 03 Mini Cooper S.

[SirRawlins]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

As you say sounds more like the noise you sometimes get from cold brakes.

Yeah, that's my current guess. There was an advisory on it's resent MOT that the front discs has some slight pitting so my guess is they're not in the best of shape.

I'm watching mine with caution, if it get's any worse or starts spawning other symptoms I'll take it to the shop to get checked out.

Robert

[conan7772]

Yeah we have the same noise.
I've read about it a few times , seems to be the clutch bearing.
Apart from being annoying, it poses no immediate threat.

It's a big job to get to it.

Once ours gets too bad , I'll get a new SPEC clutch and lightweight flywheel kit from MiniMania.
The bearing is part of the kit anyway.
Better product, and probably way cheaper then genuine replacement.

[stead34]

Does sound like a brake issue

[MissyR]

Quote: Originally Posted by SirRawlins (original)

Hi Big_Si,

I've just picked up a JCW and having what seems like a similar issue to you.

When the car is sat for a while, maybe a few hours or a day, the first few times pulling away make a squeaking noise.

To me, it doesn't sound like the clutch, although it maybe, it sounds like the brakes perhaps?

Once the car is warmed up the issue goes away, until next time it's cold.

I've attached a recording of the sound for anyone.



Robert

Hi Robert

Did you ever get to the bottom of this noise? Mines has been doing it for a while and I have recently changed the front disks, pads and wheel bearing in the hope that would solve it but sadly it hasn't. Im now stuck on what to try next.

[SirRawlins]

Hi Missy,

I didn't put much effort into trying to solve it as it seems to be intermittent.

If the care has been stood still for a couple of days, or in wet conditions I get it for the first few minutes of driving.

However, when the car is used regularly, or in dry conditions it doesn't seem to happen.

Robert

[MissyR]

Quote: Originally Posted by SirRawlins (original)

Hi Missy,

I didn't put much effort into trying to solve it as it seems to be intermittent.

If the care has been stood still for a couple of days, or in wet conditions I get it for the first few minutes of driving.

However, when the car is used regularly, or in dry conditions it doesn't seem to happen.

Robert

Yeah I get what your saying but its annoying the hell out me as it sounds awful and it turns heads in the street. Its due for its MOT soon and I dont want to be pulling into the garage with it sounding like that

[cokey]

Quote:

its annoying the hell out me as it sounds awful and it turns heads in the street. Its due for its MOT soon and I dont want to be pulling into the garage with it sounding like that

The 'Chewbacca' problem has been discussed here a few times before. Something to do with the flywheel, possibly the glazing on the flywheel or bearing. My 03 MCS started making the noise nearly 2 years ago and still does it today. Happens when cold. Luckily the noise hasn't got any worse - if anything it's begun to get better. There's no other detrimental effect on the car. Apparantly the only fix is a new clutch - very expensive as it apparantly involves taking most of the front of the car out first.

I understand your concerns about not wanting to pull up at the MOT station with the noise. I would suggest making sure the car is driven well and warmed up plenty before going to the garage. As for 'turning heads' in the street, I can completely eliminate the noise by changing driving style, revs, and smoothness/speed of the clutch release etc. Not exactly ideal but im used to it now.

[ALD0]

Common problem

The clutches are made of chocolate

Mine was done under warranty at the time. It disappeared and came back. This was on my R53 Cooper S.