Engine Drivetrain 1st Gen Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Clutch and flywheel

  1. Eric@Helix

    Eric@Helix New Member
    Motoring Alliance Founding Sponsor

    May 4, 2009
    1,154
    1,257
    0
    Shepherd
    Philadelphia
    Ratings:
    +1,257 / 0 / -0
    #2 Eric@Helix, Mar 7, 2015
    I recommend the conversion if your flywheel is failing. If you hear a chirping sound when you start from a dead stop in 1st gear, then the flywheel is jammed and you'll need to address it. If your flywheel is still good (after visual inspection), I recommend a stock replacement (Luk or Valeo) clutch kit. Also replace the guide tube, and budget for trans fluid. We charge $950 for the labor and the parts are a little over $300.

    While you're at it, If you haven't done polyurethane control arm bushings, do them at the same time. There's labor efficiency there.

    Eric
     
  2. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

    Jan 4, 2015
    5,656
    912
    113
    Male
    physician
    York, Pa
    Ratings:
    +1,146 / 0 / -1
    #6 cristo, Mar 7, 2015
    If they're still good, might as well wait, but you won't have to wait long.
     
  3. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
    Lifetime Supporter

    Dec 22, 2009
    5,645
    4,605
    113
    Male
    Overland Park, Ks
    Ratings:
    +5,197 / 1 / -0
    #9 Minidave, Mar 10, 2015
    I've done several of the Valeo solid flywheel clutches for club members and every one I've done is extremely happy with it....they say they can't tell any difference in NVH, and the clutch is lighter and engages smoother - so no complaints of any kind.
     
  4. Way Motor Works

    Way Motor Works New Member

    May 4, 2009
    1,169
    206
    0
    MINI Tuner
    Atlanta
    Ratings:
    +206 / 0 / -0
    #13 Way Motor Works, Mar 18, 2015
    I think you'll be happy with the Valeo kit as it's a great kit for the R53.

    For the clutch hydraulics. DON'T disconnect it when you do the job. Just unbolt it from the trans hang it out the way and MAKE SURE your buddy doesn't push the pedal. It will save you a ton of time not having to bleed it.
     
  5. west7

    west7 Member

    Sep 17, 2011
    136
    17
    18
    Engineer
    Indianapolis, IN
    Ratings:
    +17 / 0 / -0
    #14 west7, Mar 19, 2015
    Thanks! The install was pretty straight forward and very reasonable. I made sure not to touch the clutch peddle nor to disconnect the slave cylinder. So far I'm really liking it. I'm still breaking it in of course, but it's very smooth, predictable, no irritating noises, little to no added vibrarion, ect.... The peddle is very light compared to a worn oem, but it is very nice. Thanks for the great advise! Now to decide on struts....! :)
     
  6. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    25,021
    13,497
    113
    Burbs of Philly, PA
    Ratings:
    +14,644 / 10 / -4
    #3 Dave.0, Mar 7, 2015
    and that ^^^ is why I only take my car to HELIX. :Thumbsup:
     
  7. west7

    west7 Member

    Sep 17, 2011
    136
    17
    18
    Engineer
    Indianapolis, IN
    Ratings:
    +17 / 0 / -0
    #4 west7, Mar 7, 2015
    How much addition NVH does the valeo kit add? Do you see many replace a failed dmf with a new dmf, or is that like asking to tear your MINI down again?
     
  8. west7

    west7 Member

    Sep 17, 2011
    136
    17
    18
    Engineer
    Indianapolis, IN
    Ratings:
    +17 / 0 / -0
    #5 west7, Mar 7, 2015
    I had the control arm bushings replaced with factory units 2 years ago. Is it still worth going to poly bushings now or would you wait for these to wear out?
     
  9. Canusrufis

    Canusrufis RMW Powered R53
    Lifetime Supporter

    Nov 27, 2013
    208
    103
    43
    Male
    Winston Salem NC
    Ratings:
    +107 / 0 / -0
    #7 Canusrufis, Mar 8, 2015
    I didn't notice any added NVH with the valeo kit but the engagement was noticeably different. The valeo wasn't as dampened as the dual mass. Not bad just some getting used too.
     
  10. west7

    west7 Member

    Sep 17, 2011
    136
    17
    18
    Engineer
    Indianapolis, IN
    Ratings:
    +17 / 0 / -0
    #8 west7, Mar 9, 2015
    Noticeably different in what way? Simply lighter or different in another way? Not as dampened in regard to pedal feel or vibration?
     
  11. Canusrufis

    Canusrufis RMW Powered R53
    Lifetime Supporter

    Nov 27, 2013
    208
    103
    43
    Male
    Winston Salem NC
    Ratings:
    +107 / 0 / -0
    #10 Canusrufis, Mar 10, 2015
    similar to minidave comment. smooth for me equals quick to engage. I'm happy with it and would do the entire thing again. Actually I think I'd rather change out the clutch than repeat R&R door regulator and motor -- man thats a real PITA. :mad2:
     
  12. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
    Lifetime Supporter

    Dec 22, 2009
    5,645
    4,605
    113
    Male
    Overland Park, Ks
    Ratings:
    +5,197 / 1 / -0
    #11 Minidave, Mar 10, 2015
    The best/worst comment I got was that it feels like a Honda clutch, light, easy to modulate and smooth engagement.
     
  13. west7

    west7 Member

    Sep 17, 2011
    136
    17
    18
    Engineer
    Indianapolis, IN
    Ratings:
    +17 / 0 / -0
    #12 west7, Mar 10, 2015
    Thanks guys! Went ahead and ordered it and hope to put it in this weekend. Any things to watch for or is it pretty straight forward? Also, is they a good way to check the clutch hydraulic system for weakness or air so as not to have a potentially weak part harm my new clutch...... (I've been told the slave cylinder is common failure item but not yet had to replace one,knock on wood :).)