Oh not the chewbacca clutch?!

[Thebullet]

So I have had my Mini about 2 months now, and for a while now when cold and pulling away in first gear I can hear this screeching/chewbacca grown sound, after the car starts to get warm it is gone.

After reading what it could be it has got me worries as it could either be a glazed flywheel, thrust bearing etc etc. Pretty big stuff!

The other thing was the battery, after getting it checked by halfords is only 55% charged so I thought it could be the belt slipping as I don't do huge amounts of miles, and it occurs more when I turn a corner so maybe with the power steering pump running aswell it would strain it. I have all the symptoms of a low battery, buzzing clocks etc etc.

I have warranty on this car for 3 months, 3000 miles and only a £500 claim limit. But the garage is in cheshire and I am in coventry a good 2 hour drive.

The noise as it only happens when cold and soon goes, if I know damage wont be caused then I can live with it.

What do you guys think?

[The Nun]

Tighten the belt or renew it if its worn, sounds very much like that to me.
Its no good leaving it like that if its only charging half the battery anyway.

[Thebullet]

I really hope you are right, I can replicate the noise by sitting when first starting, handbrake on, in first gear and as if I was pulling away it makes the noise before gradually fading out.

it would be very strange that the sound is the same as this common clutch sound.

I have found videos of the clutch issues and they sound the same sounds as mine. hmm.

[The Nun]

It might well be the clutch in the end, but 5 minutes adjusting the drive belt costs nothing if that cures it?