Another MCS clutch problem

[leighMCS]

Hi All,

I have the infamous 'chewbacca' clutch whooping noise when pulling away in 1st gear when the engine/transmission is just coming up to temperature. It's only started happening since the recent cold snap across the UK.

I've read various articles on the forum and it seems to be a fairly common problem. Some people say its okay and not to worry and other say to replace the clutch. My MCS is a 57 reg so out of warranty so not in a position to make a warranty claim. Have any other owners found an inexpensive cure to this problem, or is ANOTHER visit to the dealer on the cards?

My MSC has been the most unreliable and expensive car to run in my 12 years of driving! Brilliant when everything works mind you and wouldn't change it for anything.

[The Nun]

I think in view of how much the dealer charges every time something wants doing, its best to learn to do the repairs yourself, I know I will once the warranty expires, if I still have the car and not renewed it for another MINI

[RickB]

I started hearing the chewbacca sound occasionally, at about 50k miles. For years, it would be only in cold weather, or only on the first standing-start from cold. Over time it has become more frequent, to where it happens more often than not when pulling away from a stop. I'm now at 90k, and will be looking for a new clutch, soon (apparently).