Section 211 (Clutch - Repair): Troubleshooting

2013 Mini Cooper Countryman, Standard TransSECTION Troubleshooting
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 12 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW X5, 2006 BMW X3, 2005 BMW X5, 2005 BMW X3, and 2005 BMW 645Ci. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. If clutch is slipping, check for:
    • Clutch pressure too low.
    • Lining too heavily worn.
    • Lining oiled.
    • Engine:
      1. Crankshaft Radial Seal At Front & Rear Including End Cover
      2. Oil Sump
      3. Cylinder Head Gasket At Cylinder Head
      4. Oil Filler Cap
      5. Timing Case Cover
      6. Flywheel Mounting Bolts
    • Cooling System:
      1. Hoses & Connections
      2. Heating Valves
      3. Sealing Plugs On Engine Block
    • Steering Unit:
      1. Steering Gear
      2. Servo Pump
      3. Hydraulic Lines & Connections
    • Transmission:
      1. Drive Shaft Radial Seal
      2. Sealing Plugs Of Countershaft
    • Release Bearing:
      1. Clutch Was Overheated
      2. Clutch Is Not An Original Equipment BMW Part
    If problem is found, replace clutch and repair leaks as necessary.
  2. If clutch sticks/slips, check for:
    1. Lining not to specification.
    2. Lining oiled.
    3. Release unit presses on one side.
    4. Clutch presses at an angle.
    5. Crankshaft does not align with transmission input shaft.
    6. Engine and transmission suspension defective.
    7. Clutch plate not an original equipment BMW part.
    If engine, speed characteristics not okay:
    1. Engine management not okay.
    2. Check engine control unit.
    If problem is found, replace clutch, check engine/transmission contact face, adapter sleeves and cover plate for damage, replace engine and transmission suspension, install original equipment BMW part as necessary,
  3. If clutch does not separate, check for:
    1. Lining of clutch plate broken.
    2. Lining rusted onto flywheel.
    3. Guide bearing for transmission input shaft in crankshaft defective.
    4. Leak in clutch hydraulic system.
    5. Tangential leaf springs of clutch bent down.
    6. Release unit binds on guide sleeve.
    If problem is found, replace clutch plate, evenly sand flywheel with sandpaper and replace clutch plate, replace guide bearing in crankshaft, replace faulty parts and bleed clutch hydraulics, replace clutch, or clean guide sleeve, remove and install release unit.
  4. If clutch makes noise, check for:
    1. Imbalance of clutch and clutch plate too great.
    2. Torsional-vibration damper defective.
    3. Release unit defective.
    4. Guide bearing for transmission input shaft in crankshaft defective.
    5. Clutch rivet connection loose.
    If problem is found, replace clutch plate or dual mass flywheel, release unit, guide bearing in crankshaft or clutch as necessary.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.