Your Mini Cooper, unlike some of its class rivals, offers you a driving experience that’s engaging, making it more fun to drive. Furthermore, it provides reliability in terms of fuel efficiency, parts pricing, and ownership cost. Your Mini is prone to mechanical malfunctions, and one of them is the clutch failure.
Your Mini will be undrivable without a functional clutch. The clutch is the device that is responsible for engaging and disengaging the power transmission from the drive shaft. One shaft is connected to the engine while the other shaft provides the power output that moves the wheels.
CAUSES OF CLUTCH FAILURE
A variety of reasons could cause the clutch to fail. The most common of all is normal wear and tear. Most of the small components of the transmission system will wear out as time goes by. Constant use of the clutch in starting and stopping as you drive will wear out your clutch.
Other causes include:
- Resting your hand on the gear lever
- Putting pressure on the gear forks, hampering the rotation of the rotating collar
- Changing gears slowly
- Launching your car
- Riding the clutch (pressing the clutch partially while driving)
SIGNS OF A FAULTY CLUTCH
- Clutch Slipping: When the clutch of your Mini starts to slip, it means that the clutch has already started to wear out. The RPMs will rise further than normal, and you may notice a lag when your car is picking up speed. If it’s worn, the clutch of your Mini slips because it comprises notches that engage on the flywheel. With wear and friction, it wears out. This means its “teeth” are too damaged to engage the flywheel. When this happens, consult a certified mechanic to diagnose the problem.
- Trouble Shifting Gears: This is another common indicator. Your Mini will have a hard time shifting gears as normally expected. When you change a gear, it might not slot in on the first try. You will have to make other attempts. This can come about if the clutch master cylinder or release cylinder is damaged, causing loss of fluid pressure, which can cause the clutch to disengage properly.
- Chirping Noise: A sharp chirping noise when you release your clutch pedal while driving is a likely indication of a failing clutch. This noise goes away after you press the clutch again. That is because of the worn-out clutch release bearings. If you notice chirping noises, shift the lever to neutral and push the pedal. If the noises go away when you load the pedal, the clutch fork and pivot stud have problems. In case the noise increases when you push the pedal further in, the clutch release bearing is failing or has failed.
- Shuddering: You will notice the shuddering of your Mini when starting movement and engaging first gear and it’s noticeable through the car. This happens when grease or oil gets accumulated on the clutch. If you drive through waterlogged roads or muddy areas, you are prone to experience this problem when you change gears at low speeds. If the problem persists, then it indicates a damaged clutch.
Your Mini’s clutch lifeline is dependent on many factors ranging from your driving habits, the conditions you drive in, and the age of your car. If you are a driver that maintains your car’s mileage and you cruise smoothly, then your clutch should last between 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on how you drive.
TITAN AUTO TECH: YOUR MINI SPECIALISTS
Don’t miss the unique combination of classic British style, blissful drive, punchy performance and agile handling of your Mini because of a faulty clutch. Visit Us at Titan Auto Tech, serving Castle Pines, Highland Ranch, Littleton, Lone Tree, Parker, and Castle Rock, CO.
For nearly 20 years, we have gained dealership–quality experience with a focus on ensuring satisfaction for our customers. We strive to save our customer’s money and offer a higher level of service dealerships in the area.
At Titan Auto Tech, we repair and maintain Porsche, Mini, Mercedes, BMW, and Audi. We guarantee our parts and labor with a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty and are committed to affordable pricing, transparent reports on diagnostic tests, and repairs and replacements with ASE Certified Master mechanics. You can contact us at (720) 796-4850. We are eager to help you maintain your cars for years to come.