Hey all,

Got a 2012 Cooper S, and have an issue where when I push the clutch all the way in, it makes a rattle. It happens when I push the clutch just past the point where I have to push it in to start the car, so I can start and shift fine without any noticeable noise or problem. It's only when I put just a little extra pressure on it that the noise shows up. It goes away as soon as the clutch moves back up even just slightly.

It doesn't seem like the typical throwout bearing issue as it's only at that maximum depression point, and it seems a little more clattery than the funny whirr sound I think of with TOB problems.

I've attached a video. I say grind in the video, but it's really more of a clatter/rattle

Let me know if you got any ideas for me!

Thanks,

Ep

 

I am having this exact issue. I just recently replaced the entire clutch assembly including the clutch, fly wheel, the pressure plate, the clutch fork, and the throw out bearing. I just recently purchased a new starter as this has just went out in my car as well. Have you received any feedback from this post? Or were you able to find the issue? I will keep you posted if the starter fixes this problem.

 

Does anyone have a solution for this? I have the same issue.

 

Really sorry to open old wounds here all, but did the solution ever get found? Just taken delivery of an N18, R56 with a failed steering rack and this funky noise as described in the original post.

I have all the clutch parts ready to install (clutch, flywheel, fork etc.) did these parts solve the issue or was more to it? I would rather tackle it in one go than keep revisiting!

 

I'm guessing the original posters here have since found out the cause of this noise, but for completeness and to help the next lost soul coming here for answers, I have found the cause of the noise (For me at least).

In short, it was the throw out bearing causing the issue.

The full story.
So, for me the sound was only when the clutch was fully depressed, such as it would be for start up, you could then engage gears without hearing the sound again (unless you really put your boot to the carpet). My R56 is an N18 and was given to me as a gift with this god awful noise issue, I had a fair idea what the cause would be but I was told that the last owner had, had the clutch, flywheel, clutch fork and throwout bearing replaced and the noise didn't stop.

The underside of the car seemed like it had been stood in water up to it's axels for a while as the subframe was almost completely rust covered, but having got that off and the bell housing too I was surprised to see that not only was my hunch right (TO bearing) but just how spectacularly it had gone!

IT looked like the TO Bearing has come out of position some how and so it's no longer straight, meaning it can't slide freely up and down the input shaft anymore, and the clutch fork is grinding against the clutch cover plate and making that horrible noise.

Attached is a video with the original noise and then pictures of the damaged parts.

I hope these can help someone at some point as it's been a right pain in my ar$e!

 

If it makes a noise when pedal is depressed,it can only be the release bearing,as its the only moving part attached and operated by the clutch pedal,visit a local mechanic and he will confirm the issue

 

I'm having the EXACT same issue with my 2012 Mini Cooper. I was afraid it was going to be the throw out bearing. I just did a total rebuild of my N18 and included new DMF, clutch (SACHS) and it sounds liek the fork is hitting the pressure plate when fully depressed and resolves if its slightly released. This is totally my fault because when I did the job, I could not find the new throw out bearing. Instead of waiting the few days to get a new one, I put the old one back in. After I had it all back together, I found the new one. I could spit nails because it's such a PITA to remove and replace the trans. Looks like the sub frame is coming out.

 

Hello all,
I am trying to help a family member that is having health issues, financial difficulties, and has basically lost his business due to medical. He purchased a 2011 base L4 1.6, 6spd Manual according to the serial number.
Issue........Car starts and runs perfectly. No noticable sounds from transmission, bell housing, or clutch. Clutch pedal has "normal" feel regarding pressure, smooth operation. The gears DO NOT grind and moves thru all gears smoothly. Now the head-scratcher. Car running, clutch depressed, goes into all gears......but, there is no sign of engagement. With the engine running, clutch pedal up, I can shift into and out of gear position with no scratching, no noise, no attempt at showing sign of clutch engagement. I have verified there is no pressure on slave cylinder possibly keeping clutch plate dis-engaged. I am worried that input shaft has had a catastrophic failure, thus completely rendering transmission and differential without power. Has anyone seen anything like this or can offer opinions? At this point, all I know is pull it all apart and hope whatever the failure is can be repaired.
Thank you for reading my book......lol