4 replies to this topic

[MiniElliott]

Hi, I've got a 1978 mini 1000 and I believe the clutch could do with a replacement. So how hard is it to remove and refit the clutch when the engine is in the car ? Also can it be easily done by one person with all the correct tools? Is like to give this a go and should have about a week to complete. Is it advisable to change the diaphragm at the same time?

It's a pre verto clutch

Any advice

Thanks

! Sorry this was ment to be in the technical section!

Edited by MiniElliott, 28 February 2012 - 03:28 PM.

[Cooperman]

As with most Mini jobs, it's easy if you have all the right tools, but almost impossible if you don't.
You need a really heavy duty flywheel puller, a trolley jack, a flywheel locking tool and a really good socket set and spanner set. Also a large hammer!

You are advised to change the diaphragm at the same time and if the ['red' crank seal is weeping at all change it. I always change the 'red' seal when the flywheel is off, but you need the seal re-fitting tool.

When 'pulling' the flywheel make sure the pistons are all half way between TDC and BDC to prevent the C-washer from dropping down the back of the flywheel and jamming everything up.

More advice available on here as needed once you have the parts.

[jaydee]

to be honest its the kind of work i would never do with engine in situ, its easier to take engine out, but thats from my experience.

Ah and forgot to add, it is a lot better if you ask someone to help you to hold the engine well steady while you're tightening the flywheel puller, or you'll end end up kicking your engine all around the garage. Those flywheels require quite a bit of force to come out..

Edited by jaydee, 28 February 2012 - 04:43 PM.

[Furyblade_Lee]

The older and simpler the mini the easier, servos and things in the way make it harder. But I changed clutches on minis when I was 15, it's not too technical as stated with the right tools.have you had a quote from a professional to do it though?

[irish.yobbo]

Replacing the clutch in a mini is the easiest clutch replacement on any car I've had to deal with. Some people prefer to take the engine out, but I don't understand why - in the time it takes to remove the engine, you can have the clutch replaced.

You need to jack up the sump (just to support it), and undo the clutch side engine mount. This lets you take off the clutch cover to access the clutch.

A few points:
- A flywheel locker isn't necessary, you can just use a small steel strap (something like the flywheel straps) to bolt the flywheel to the housing.
- You do need a heavy duty flywheel puller. If that doesn't work at first, don't go bashing the flywheel with a hammer, you will just ruin the crank bushes. You can give it a tap through the starter hole, but the best way is to just leave it done up tight for a while, time will usually do the job.
- Remember to get the backing plate machined such that the clutch spring is flat. So many people (usually mechanics who don't know minis) have done this. It will make your clutch pedal much harder, and your clutch plate wear out faster.