24 replies to this topic

[monkeymonk]

Model:Mini Cooper Sportspack
Year:2000


Hi,
I am having a problem with my gearbox. It makes a grinding, crunching noise when i change to 2nd or 3rd. I can change to 2nd and 3rd really slowly and it doesnt make as much noise. Also, if i really push on the clutch pedal it sometimes goes in without making a noise.
I was going to replace it but i was wondering if it is something smaller and cheaper to replace.

Cheers,
Sam

Edited by monkeymonk, 25 August 2009 - 08:05 PM.

[redhotmini]

possibly the synchromesh between 2nd and 3rd is wearing out. if you're confident enough, a gearbox rebuild isnt as tricky as some people say it is, if you're going to do that, it would be worth checking everything else when you strip it down, and replace any other parts which are wearing out, last thing you want is to find that once you put it back together, something else is not right! Its up to you, though it might work out cheaper and easier to get a rebuilt gearbox and fit that.

[monkeymonk]

possibly the synchromesh between 2nd and 3rd is wearing out. if you're confident enough, a gearbox rebuild isnt as tricky as some people say it is, if you're going to do that, it would be worth checking everything else when you strip it down, and replace any other parts which are wearing out, last thing you want is to find that once you put it back together, something else is not right! Its up to you, though it might work out cheaper and easier to get a rebuilt gearbox and fit that.

i was told it could be the syncromesh. Any idea roughly how much it would cost to have a gearbox rebuild? As i have no knowledge to do it myself

[Cooperman]

About £250 + VAT seems to be the going rate these days, but finding someone good enough to do it is another matter.

[spiguy]

Model:Mini Cooper Sportspack
Year:2000


Hi,
I am having a problem with my gearbox. It makes a grinding, crunching noise when i change to 2nd or 3rd. I can change to 2nd and 3rd really slowly and it doesnt make as much noise. Also, if i really push on the clutch pedal it sometimes goes in without making a noise.
I was going to replace it but i was wondering if it is something smaller and cheaper to replace.

Cheers,
Sam

Have you tried (or do you already) double de-clutching? I know there may be an underlying problem, but this can make a huge difference to gear changes - I always do this going from 3rd to 2nd on the mini. You just might find that it gets round your problems, and saves you alot of hassle.

[Rosslin Racing]

Model:Mini Cooper Sportspack
Year:2000


Hi,
I am having a problem with my gearbox. It makes a grinding, crunching noise when i change to 2nd or 3rd. I can change to 2nd and 3rd really slowly and it doesnt make as much noise. Also, if i really push on the clutch pedal it sometimes goes in without making a noise.
I was going to replace it but i was wondering if it is something smaller and cheaper to replace.

Cheers,
Sam

Is the clutch set up correctly before you rip the engine to bits?

[Figs122uk]

Model:Mini Cooper Sportspack
Year:2000


Hi,
I am having a problem with my gearbox. It makes a grinding, crunching noise when i change to 2nd or 3rd. I can change to 2nd and 3rd really slowly and it doesnt make as much noise. Also, if i really push on the clutch pedal it sometimes goes in without making a noise.
I was going to replace it but i was wondering if it is something smaller and cheaper to replace.

Cheers,
Sam

It may be something as simple as you need a new clutch cable ?

Edited by Figs122uk, 25 August 2009 - 08:54 PM.

[bmcecosse]

Clutch cable - in a Mini - new one on me! But it does sound like clutch drag - so bleed the system out before launching into gearbox. If bleeding doesn't work - then new clutch plate may be required, since daft Verto clutch is not adjustable.

[Timify]

I had the same thing on a 93 sprite of mine. It was the sycro gone, but some times if you get the revs just right.. or change very carefully you wont grind.

I drove my car for about 8/9 months with this issue. The car was written off before i had chance to repair it.

The best place to get it done, would be if you can find an old school mechanic. You know the ones, they've done cars for a living all their 50+ life, drink a bit to much tea and are normally self employed renting garage space... I find They give you the fairest price, and know what they doing. I'd ask around at your local club to see if any one can recommend someone to you.

[bmcecosse]

There is a gearbox expert on this forum - very regularly! Guessworks! But do check the clutch first - although the 'grinding' has probably wrecked the box anyway by now - even if the main fault is in the clutch. Once it starts 'jumping out' of second gear - that's when action is necessary!

[monkeymonk]

thanks everyone.

I am currently double de-clutching. I will try bleeding and if that doesnt work..... i will contact Guessworks.

[GregH]

if you decide to do the box yourself
i could give you a hand.
im only 17 but have already rebuilt mine and my mates a+ gearboxes and could have a look at it and give you some advice.
i noticed your in the pandsmoc area.
greg

[jaydee]

Its more probably a worn baulkring, than the syncro itself.
But before approaching a gearbox rebuild, check the conditions of the subframe mountings and the engine steady.
Fitting an extra engine steady on the left hand side helps a lot to stabilize gearbox.

[madmike]

Also check the gear change stabilizer at the back of the gearbox to see if it has come lose.

[monkeymonk]

if you decide to do the box yourself
i could give you a hand.
im only 17 but have already rebuilt mine and my mates a+ gearboxes and could have a look at it and give you some advice.
i noticed your in the pandsmoc area.
greg

i dont think i would be able to do it myself. I dont have any proper tools or a lift to get the engine out.
Thanks for the offer anyway. Unless you have these tools?

Sam