Valeo Clutch Spline Play - 03 R53 Getrag

[shayan]

Hey Guys

Recently underwent a clutch R&R and upon install I noticed the clutch plate splines, don't know what it is really called, has some play in it. It seems as though the plastic carrier is loose? OEM clutch was a metal carrier so there is no such play, not really anything else to compare to.

The red arrows show the kind of play the part has. The splines I am talking about are circled in yellow. It moves up/down, left right. Must most importantly, it has a little twist to it which makes me feel it might shear if the clutch is dumped on a hard shift?



The yellow arrow in this picture show the plastic carrier that is on the valeo kits (not the same product however)
The red arrow shows the area the play is in. The plastic looks to have no movement on my kit.



Sorry if I am worrying over nothing, the car is my gf's dad's and so it has to be perfect

Thanks,
Shayan

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The second pic clearly shows springs in the center of the clutch disk. This is a very standard design of clutch disk; the springs take up some of the shock when the clutch is grabbed by the flywheel and pressure plate. Some cars have rubber centers instead of these spring-loaded ones.

I am not familiar with the clutch disk shown in your first pic. But I haven't looked at a MINI clutch yet, so it might be normal for the R53? It may be that this is a "racing clutch" rather than one for a street car. If that's the case, then you'll have some downsides like on/off engagement rather than smooth, possibly some rattle, and often some chatter when it is used.

But as I said, I'm not sure if that is a regular MINI clutch or not.

--DD

[shayan]

Hello Dave,

Thanks for responding today.

Neither pictures are of the clutch I have, but the 2nd picture is of the same set up. (Sprung Full Face)

The 1st picture is of an OEM clutch, as far as I can tell, mine looked identical.

However, I think you misunderstood as I was probably not very clear. The red arrow shows where the play is located, between the female spline gear and the plastic bushing (indicated by the yellow arrow).

My understanding was that the springs allowed the friction surface to move in relation to the center of the clutch, however I could be wrong as I don't know clutches well.

My main point is, with the clutch installed, the splined gear has play in it whereas the rest of the clutch remains stationary. Just the splined gear.

If I remove the clutch and slide it onto the input shaft on the transmission, while holding the friction material, I can wobble the clutch back and forth, side to side, and laterally. (Think checking a wheel for wheel bearing play and then turning the wheel).

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Oh, OK. I'm not sure what to say, but it may be possible that there is play there to offer a little bit of cushion?

Hopefully Nick, who knows a lot more about MINIs than I do, will poke his head back in here and comment.

--DD

[shayan]

Thanks for the help Dave,

I assume the same thing but fear that that cushion could also lead to a failure of said plastic bushing, allowing the clutch to freely spin without transferring power to the input shaft.



Any other opinions on this? I called Pelican and they referred me here. Perhaps I'll try giving valeo a call

[Nick at Pelican Parts]

I don't believe there should be play in the spline shaft. I have not seen one with play, ever. Likely a bad part.