I was driving home from tafe tonight when I pulled up behind some cars at a round about. I went to take off, and nothing. Pulled it outa gear and put it in, it eventually took off.

I pulled over and did a few take offs too see if the clutch was playing up, but seemed good and wasn't slipping.

However. In 1st, 2nd and 3rd, there is a very loud nocking coming from the clutch side of the engine bay. 4th, wierdly, there is no problem at all, at any speed! Same nocking in reverse.

After I had tested the clutch a bit, I sorta ignorantly thought it could be the thrust bearing. I say ignorantly, cause i've heard it talked about, but don't know what the symptoms are.

I took my father for a drive and he said it could be the thrust bearing, but wasn't sure.

What are people's thoughts?

_________________

i dont think
makka

_________________
Anonymous moderation means the agro that is built up towards the mods isn't aimed at an individual (fewer "Makk" attacks). Less stress for mods means less moderator "retirements".

.....about what i've said before i click submit?

_________________

Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

Don't sound like a thrust bearing to me. Problem is deeper and more $$$..

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Dieing thrust bearings are fairly obvious in that they will growl ar squeal well before finally seizing up completely. The clutch cover seems to act like an amplifying speaker so you can't miss it.

Clunking is no less concerning though, especially if it is quite loud, and never used to do it.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Oh don't say that!

It's sitting at home and wont be driven until it's booked into the local Mini place.

If it's alotta $$ then maybe it's time to retire this car for something modern as my daily driver. Don't worry though, i'm not selling it! Will sit in the garage with a tarp on. I've still got the van on full rego, so that's all good.

_________________

Don't say that!

Adversity creates Opportunity - you only need two spanners, a floor jack and about an hour of your time to remove the clutch cover and have a look around.

If it is just the thrust bearing then it will be plain obvious, all you have to do then is hand the clutch cover and a new thrust bearing to a mechanic to replace for you.

And as you've removed the clutch cover yourself, it should shave about 100 to 150 dollars off of the job cost.

More specific instructions are available, just ask.
I think this was the first job I ever had to do on my mini.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Um so if it is this said Thrust Bearing... i have been monitoring mine over the last 6 months since Brickworx said mine was a bit gnarly and he said to listen. So i have.
It is a bit louder and worse when the engine is cold.
What will happen if i just leave it?

You will eventually be left on the side of the road waiting for a truck.

The bearing will either seize or collapse.
If it seizes the engine will simply stall when you try to change, if it collapses it simply won't go into gear.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Ok cool.

I trust the RAA

Hehe.

Umm so i really should attend to the growly t.b. then.

Wicked.

So, drive it home without the clutch..!
I did it frequently in the Fiat 124S, whenever the POS cable broke..

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Hard part is the starting, especially on your own, after that it's easy

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Put in 1st gear, pray a bit, turn key, Kangaroo jump start.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I drove aound the Melbourne metro area for two weeks without a clutch. It was easier than changing it. Didn't anyone teach you how to drive without a clutch? My kids are not allowed to go for their license unless they can do it without crunching gears. its a bit hard on the synchro rings and only to be done as little as possible.

_________________
Chris

Everything I like is either
illegal, immoral or fattening.

I had to do this through 3/4 of Sydney when I brought NAV home to Canberra from Coffs Then just to rub salt into the wound the starter solenoid packed it in from all the hard starts

On the positive side I can now go up and down gears without a clutch or grinding the gears.

_________________