Clutch issue.

[Al the mod]

Hi all, I am having difficulty selecting first gear in my 96 Equinox (crunching sound), the clutch pedal is also sometimes harder than normal. I was aware of a slight clutch issue when i bought the car and knew that at some stage i would have to replace the clutch & pressure plates. I had a previous issue with a 92 mayfair which turned out to be a leaking slave cylinder but unfortunately does not seem to be the issue this time round. I have had limited mechanical experience with Mini mainly suspension and general ignition items other than that it will be a new task, so basically am looking for some guidance before I start trying to pull it apart. I have been told numerous things as to the removal of the bell housing/clutch plates by different people i.e its an engine out job, can be done with engine in and a special tool is required to remove it. I would appreciate any tips or advise giving..

Cheers
Al

[woody]

From your discription I would think its a clutch problem. Is the car changing gear ok when moving? How often is the car being used? The pedal changing from hard to soft sujest that something may be sceasing, pedal box or slave cylinder. The crunch into first could be the clutch draging from not ingauging fully. Press the clutch and see if your getting full movement on the clutch leaver. The clutch plate can be changed in the car but requires a special clutch puller . Could be worth bringing to somebody to look at as it may save you more money in the end.

[Al the mod]

Thanks for the reply woody. Sorry I worded it wrong the pedal is not so much hard to press as it is hard to select 1st while pressing clutch occasionally. It only happens at a stop while selecting first but lately has been doin it while dropping hears while slowing down. I am fairly confident it is a clutch goin by experiences with other vehicle makes. Any idea How much the pullers are and how handy is it to do engine in place.

Thanks again
Al

[The Marcos Graveyard]

Sounds like the syncro is shot to me.

[woody]

Normally 2nd syncro is the first to crunch on a worn box however if the main bearing was going first ( and reverse) would be the first to start crunching. The clutch tool should be about €40, you will also need a 1.5" socket. For an experianced mechanic this is a hard job ,for a novice expect to draw blood and curse a lot.
If you replace the clutch only to find the problem is in the gearbox you will not be pleased. Best to get a second opinion before starting any work.

[macker]

If it's just not selecting first sometimes and the pedal isn't going hard as said above I would also check the engine mounting rubbers and stabilizer bushings, (have you tried to rock the engine back and forward) as worn items can cause the engine to rock to a different position and if you are trying to change gear at that point it will make it more difficult if not impossible to get in gear

[Al the mod]

Cheers for the replies. I am a mechanic by trade woody (so I am well prepared for cut knuckles and more swear words than a drunk sailor) just don't have much Mini repairs experience and from what I have done before nothing is a straight forward. Now that you mention it Macker I have had a knock and movement out of the stabiliser bushe/engine mount area, I have spares there just haven't got round to it yet will try these before clutch so. Also thanks Woody and Marcos graveyard fingeres crossed it's not internal in the box. It's strange it feels exactly like when my slave went in the Mayfair but there doesn't seem to be a leak from inside the gator like last time. I'm gonna take a good look on Sunday hopefully can see something then. I also have an after market engine support that bolts around the thermo housing to bulk head are they worth putting on?

[macker]

Definitely fit the extra engine steady if you have it, they're a great addition to any engine