Get the Best Priced Mini Cooper Flywheel

The flywheel is a relatively simple part that engages with your Mini Cooper clutch. It's a fairly large metal plate, flat and about 3/4-inch thick. Attached to the end of the crankshaft, it has gear teeth around its edge that mesh with those on the starter motor. The flywheel's function is to provide momentum for the engine. A spring-loaded pressure plate compresses the clutch plate against the flywheel, and that transfers the engine's rotational movement through the gearbox to the drive train and wheels. Mini Cooper flywheel noise is often reported by drivers of vehicles fitted with dual mass flywheels (essentially conventional flywheels split in two). They contribute to easier shifting but tend to have a resonant frequency that has to be controlled by the use of spring dampers. Some owner opt for a Mini Cooper flywheel conversion to install a single mass replacement.

What Can Go Wrong

Mini Cooper flywheel problems are likely to occur when the symptoms of clutch failure are ignored. When a clutch disc is worn and has begun to slip, it's going to need replacing along with the pressure plate assembly. It's better to take care of the problem early instead of letting it continue until further damage is incurred. More advanced wear can cause the flywheel to be scored and burned. At that point, it could probably still be used but would likely produce clutch chatter and premature wear. So it should be replaced. At some point, not repairing the worn clutch disc could cause the surfaces of both the flywheel and the pressure plate to be worn to a point at which they're too thin to provide any friction at all.

How Much It Will Cost To Repair

Replacing a clutch should cost between $1293 and $1682, with the exact figure dependent upon your individual vehicle and where you live. Of those figures, labor is estimated to be from $800 to $1011, respectively, and taxes and fees are not included. Some shops may recommend a Mini Cooper flywheel resurfacing or repair at the same time, and that would be an additional expense. Also, any engine or transmission oil leaks should be diagnosed and repaired to avoid further clutch damage. That may involve replacing the rear main seal and the transmission input shaft seal as a preventive measure.

I've recently purchased an '03 MCS with 33K miles on it. I love the car, but after a very short time the car started making juddering/vibrating when engaging the clutch in first gear. Near as I can tell, this is likely a worn out or warped clutch. So, given a guy who's relatively mechanically inclined, done oil changes and brake jobs in the past (though no major engine tear-downs), is this a reasonable do-it-yourself job?

Clutch work on most front wheel drive cars can be difficult. But if you have the right tools and the space and plenty of time to do the work, it's probably not beyond your capabilities. Check online for "how to" assistance if you need it.

Where To Get The Parts

Your best source of Mini Cooper parts and accessories will be a reputable online seller such as PartsGeek.com, because you won't be paying the overhead costs that a dealer or brick-and-mortar store has to build into its prices.