17 replies to this topic

[gaz]

Can anyone reccomend any good garages in the Milton Keynes area that could replace a clutch plate on my '89 mni? Is it a hard job on a mini or would most garages be able to replace it?

[TOMMO0302]

Most garages *should* be able to do that no problem for you! But always safe to take to a mini specialist. Someone on here took theres for a clutch change to a non mini specialist and they wanted to charge some ridiculous amount for taking the engine out!

[gaz]

One thing i did forget to mention was the fact that my car is an automatic according to my mate this means its a gearbox rebuild as apposed to a clutch change....is this true?:? (im a bit of a newbie when it comes to cars).

If it is a gearbox rebuild thats needed im guessing we're talking big money? Would it be more feasable to buy a new engine with gearbox and just fit that? This way i could get a manual gearbox too. How much would this be though? Am i talking hundreds or am i talking thousands?

[Guess-Works.com]

Being an auto, as such it does not have a clutch but a torque converter, the equivalent of clutches are in the gearbox, you need a specialist auto box remanufacturer, and ones which do minis are scarce to say the least.

First thing to do with an auto box, before you consider what will be expensive repair work, is give it a good service... The auto box relies on the engine oil as it's hydraulic component, and illegular serviceing will almost always cause the demise of the box.

[mk=john]

Yes, if it was a manual type clutch, I would have atttempted nit myself, and If unsure aboout my work, get a mobile mmini mechanic to come round to inspect and advise. that way you also have a go yourself and learn in the process.

But an auto.......defo a specialist I would have thought who knows the pros and cons of the mini auto box!
Dont economise on getting this right, mini mechanic who knows this area is highly recommended.

I am in MK, I live in Oldbrook, want to bring it around so we can discuss it?

PM me if u want.

[Jammy]

I think when talking about an auto, if an oil and filter change doesn't cure it then it is cheaper to buy an auto engine (you can usually buy them quite cheap since no one wants them) and change that. Unless your going to delve into the auto box yourself and try and fix it.

[Guess-Works.com]

you don't want to know how many special tools you are going to need to even contemplate stripping an auto box...

Saw a set go on ebay, well over 200 notes

[Jimmyarm]

And dont forget just swapping the units isnt going to give you any guarantee of reliability, the torque converter in that could go a week after you put it in !

Your best bet is to track down an ex rover dealership and seeing if you can find out where they sent their auto boxes to for rebuilding. Its going to cost a pretty penny but at least you will have some sort of guarantee its going to be good for a good while afterwards...

[Jammy]

you don't want to know how many special tools you are going to need to even contemplate stripping an auto box...

Saw a set go on ebay, well over 200 notes

I'm sure its possible to bodge a few of these 'special' tools together using Blue Peter materials, a couple of old tools and a clothes peg!

[AlexM]

Auto box repair is a bit of a hit and miss affair. Definately left to a specialist. There is one norwich way who does loads, however he does not charge if the repaired box doesn't work.

I know of this specialist of auto boxes. If they can do race transissions they hsould be able to handle a mini gearbox.

[gaz]

Well i've had a little ring round today and looks like NO-ONE will do it. My next option is to finally make the change over to manual. Would this require a new sub frame though? Have any of you done an auto-manual conversion? What kind of a job am i looking at?

[pinch]

i think the basics of it are you can make up a spacer to go between the mountings and the subframe, and you need to bypass the starter inhibitor switch, tink it's just a case of connecting the wire together!

[gaz]

You make it sound sooo easy. Bet its not though.

[taffy1967]

Well i've had a little ring round today and looks like NO-ONE will do it. My next option is to finally make the change over to manual. Would this require a new sub frame though? Have any of you done an auto-manual conversion? What kind of a job am i looking at?

Well there's a Clutch/Gearbox specialist called STC (of Talbot Green, Llantrisant) who replaced the Autobox on an old friend of mine's Mini a few years back. Trouble is i'm in South Wales, but they did a good job and she's still running around in it.

[fikus01]

think the basics of it are you can make up a spacer to go between the mountings and the subframe, and you need to bypass the starter inhibitor switch, tink it's just a case of connecting the wire together!

he's close!! just missed out the fact that you need a different engine and gearbox!! your original block is not compatible with a manual gearbox!!

changind the subframe will help with getting the manual to fit if you cant get a bigger drivers side mount!!

either way not an easy job at all!!