New Clutch Fitted

[ianking]

I done this about 3 or 4 weeks ago now but thought I would post up a couple of pics that I took.

I had originally thought that the gear box had expired as they are known to be fragile on the year of car that I have. Only way to tell was to remove the gearbox and have a look. I had use of a 2 poster ramp which makes the job so much easier.
Took the box out (I make it sound so easy) and was very pleased to see that the clutch was in many bits, so no gear box was necessary. The fly wheel didnt have any scores on it either.
I always thought that when a clutch was on the way out you would feel it slipping but this one was fine right up until the moment it went pop.
Took me a wee bit longer to figure out how to strip the box out then had to put it back together again.

Next time to put the new clutch in right I dropped the sub frame out complete with power steering pump, rack, bottles and pipework, anti-roll bars and arms. Split the sub frame from the front tubes so no bumper and front plate removal.
Had the car from 4 wheels, up, down and back on 4 wheels in 4.5 hours which I didnt think was too bad at all.

Here is a pic of the subframe complete
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/min1.jpg

The expired clutch (very worn down)
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/min5.jpg

Bits of the old clutch lying in the gear box
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/min4.jpg

Clutch in situ on the flywheel
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/min3.jpg

So if anyone has a gear box needing removed then Im your man. :D
A wee thanks to C.Noble for answering a wee technical querry.

[audrey]

Well Done :thumbs up: Wouldn't even know where to start :frown:

[Gismo]

Good on ya Ian and something i hope i never have to do myself :frown:

[Craig]

Ian, that took guts, and you never know, you may be "contracted" to do another ;)

[Crombers]

Well Done :thumbs up: Wouldn't even know where to start :frown:

& that's a 'ditto' from me too

Well done that man :yes nod:

[ianking]

To be honest the only bit I found tricky was was removing the gear selector linkage as its a bit fiddly. Every thing else was just a case of removing bolts and dropping stuff down. The drivers side drive shaft was a bit more awkward as its much longer and has a knuckle half way up as it goes round a bit of an angle.

After tackling that I really dont think I would pay the dealer to do anything to the car now that it is out of warranty.
However next MINI that I get will prob be new and in warranty so wont need to gets my hands dirty again.

[Gismo]

Ian, do you reckon it could be done on the ground, or is a lift mandatory.
For example, i've done loads of fiestas , escorts etc

[ianking]

I suppose it could but I wouldnt want to do it. Getting the sub frame out would just be awkward. So much easier using a lift. Particularly using the free standing type lift as there is nothing in the way of the sub frame.
I also used a hydralic transmission lift to put the box back in and then to put the sub frame up into place. That piece of kit made the job much easier.