How to install LSD Limited Slip Diff in a FWD MINI Cooper R53 2002-2006

Great mod for aggressive driving or wet weather driving. Same process R53/R56. Same Getrag transmission in Ford Focus also apparently so process should be identical for that or most any FWD car!
Get the Quaife LSD here (Same part for both R53 / R56 six speed) :
www.waymotorworks.com/quaife-...
or here:
ebay.us/7AeDoy
Get the diff bearings here:
www.waymotorworks.com/differe...
or here:
amzn.to/2u5orF4 (quantity 2)
Anaerobic sealer:
amzn.to/2Q9VqAr
Get the 12 ton hydraulic press:
amzn.to/36beIex
First remove transmission (same work as clutch job):
R53: • 2002-06 MINI Cooper S ...
R56: (Will add link when I make an R56 turbo clutch video)
Thanks for watching!

[@twobimmers]

STAHPPP...YOURE REALLY GOING TO MAKE ME DO THIS

[@JoeHeine]

most underrated auto repair channel on KZbin. Solid, simple, explanations and camera use. Keep up the good work!

[@StormRiordan]

Driving around in an R56 means I'm happy you continue to create content. I'll have a great library of how-to's when it inevitably breaks. Hope the new year treats you well!

[@johnhunt2390]

Thank you! I have been hoping for more R53 videos from you.

[@rudes4124]

Greetings from both of us. Looks Great Man, Hope you and yours have a great New Year!

[@minimii9178]

Nice! Keep up the good work. I’m glad to see content for 1st gen MINI.

[@D_Oneills]

Thank you for another GREAT video! You saved me a couple of times with my R53.

[@JonCannings]

I love your videos. So informative and calm.

[@bluedunn374]

Great tutorial, good editing and commentary. Best of all no annoying music. Great job 👍

[@ModAMiniGarage]

Fantastic video this will definately be using this for referencing when we finally get round to our track engine rebuild! Thanks so much for your hard work! Miriam xx

[@davebalaam]

I love how you do all your jobs whilst wearing woolly mittens!!! Loving the videos! :D

[@simplistic5930]

Great manual, excellent explanation of each step. Helped me install my LSD on Suzuki rally build.

[@fletchermusician3365]

Just would like to say Ive learnt so much from a lot of yr videos.. very educational and from what Ive seen, you are a TOP MECHANIC .. thanks for sharing the knowledge..... Thumbs Up Bro....

[@mariospeedwagon5454]

Great video 👍🏼 watching you work is the best teaching tool in my world. Thank you.

[@pabloiglesiasalonso9255]

And another great job. Thank you for share.

[@alconk7129]

Damn I just replaced my clutch and thought about doing this. Didn’t realize it would be that simple.

[@MaxMAX-et6lw]

@@christopherkeach4955 😂😂😂 same here

[@ne2i]

@@christopherkeach4955 there is a cheaper LSD diff out there.

[@MacLaw3084]

oh no! that sucks pretty bad lol

[@portugal19845]

Thank you for the videos u make it

[@NewtonInDaHouseYo]

Thank you, that was a very helpful video!

[@flipshere1]

Awesome and I just ordered your new MINI Days Nights Weekends T shirt :)

[@ModMINI]

Cool! A friend and I designed it.

[@haydenspotatoguns]

AWESOME INTRO!!!

[@grantltompkins]

Hayden Foster Mod MINI is stepping up the quality a bit. Great work!

[@Brucee117]

Once again Mod Mini you are the best a Of the best. I like your new generic Video but sadly I heard just R56 engine 😊✌️ Best regards

[@espedaire]

Gut 'n tight. It's a German car after all! Thanks for the walk through, my dude. Much appreciated!

[@IanLandesman]

Oh NICE! I missed this one from my sub fee. Takes be back though! I had put a wavetrac in mine, but that car is gone now... I put the wavetrac box in the passenger seat so hopefully when it's at auction someone knows they are getting one with the car.

[@ModMINI]

Sadly auction generally throws away everything that is not owner manual or not bolted down to the car...

[@SoulCoughing30]

Wish you had done those before I ended up doing this on my own! Just a couple FYIs I gleaned from the interwebs. I ended up finding a torque setting for the ring gear. It's 68 ft/lbs. Hardest part was stopping the diff from rotating while I was torquing every bolt! Also, don't forget to clean out the magnet when you have this all apart. It should be on the edge of the case and will have a good amount of metal shavings. I also checked backlash on the spacers behind the outer bearings on the case and mine were within spec, but there has been cases of them being either too thick or thin, so it may be worth checking that out too. Thanks again for the vid!

[@ModMINI]

Thanks for the torque numbers. I heard that checking might be good as well but I have also not heard of anyone having any fitment issues and needing to change the spacers.

[@alvicebaril436]

Hi. thank you for your video, it helps me a lot in repairing my 2006 gp. I have a hot noise when I turn the wheels at low speed. I changed all the front axle, including gimbals. here is the next step, hoping that these my differential which is at the origin of this noise.

[@monkeytutz2]

Great video. My only comment would be to change the bearing races and 1/2 shaft seals while you have the gearbox in bits. Taper roller bearings need a small preload, which you can measure with plastigauge while the box is in bits.

[@bigjoetheelectrician]

Most like going to do this when I pull my engine to do the clutch and head gasket

[@isaacburlo9547]

great video! was always wondering how this was done.

[@ModMINI]

CGI. It's done using CGI.

[@isaacburlo9547]

@@ModMINI lol wished it was, gearbox would be out in a matter of minutes

[@amickinamini7337]

This was my car that Kurt was working on - I miss that car!!

[@ModMINI]

I'll buy the differential off you

[@jemalibezeid5930]

Thanks!

[@user-eo9zz9wn4t]

Best mini mech out there, thanks helped me change my clutch in no time, do have a question, if you have time to answer, r56 pops out of sixth gear, sync or bad gears, anyone no of any videos on replacing either, lol got tools but like to make sure i do it right

[@jimmyalexander3845]

Hi great video keep up the good works. I'm wandering if do work for other people?

[@alberthurgo4849]

Great stuff ModMini. I always learn a lot from your videos. How about a Parasitic Drain on battery vid? That’s what I’m working on on my R53. What a headache. Several fuses on drivers side have voltage drop of around battery voltage. Wish me luck. GREAT VIDEOS, it’s been a while since you last made one. Aloha.

[@ModMINI]

Not a lot of experience with diagnosing parasitic drain, but I think basically you check for CURRENT (not voltage) across each fuse (remove fuse and run the current through your multi-tester configured to the appropriate range). When you see one that is still drawing more than like 300mA after the main relay cuts out, your problem is on that circuit.

[@ne2i]

check eric the car guys vid on parasitic drain

[@franknativi]

honestly i need one of those cranes up in my garage.

[@ModMINI]

Mine is like this one. Powered by an old 12v car battery that I leave on a trickle charger: amzn.to/384OP0w

[@k12rising]

All very good if you have your own garage and unlimited time to work on your car. Without a garage your screwed.

[@grantltompkins]

I’m not sure if you know the advantages of a dead blow hammer. I work in a machine shop and we use them regularly. They’re heavy (various sizes) hammers, but the weight is mostly from shot that is in a cylinder. This means all of the energy goes into the precisely machined part, but the impact is dispersed by a few milliseconds. This prevents cracking and denting. Also, a dead blow is usually covered in plastic that doesn’t ding or mar the surface. I find they are the best hammers to use for careful application of force. Most of the guys in the shop use some from Harbor Freight, but I recently discovered a great company called Trusty-Cook. I have a Trusty-Cook at work. It’s really great, and I often bring it home to persuade stubborn parts on my MINI.

[@ModMINI]

Thank you. I have a Harbor Freight one but it doesn't do the job. Too light or too soft, not sure which. I'll look up that brand.

[@ModMINI]

Which one do you recommend? trustycook.com/product-category/hammers/

[@tylerg3393]

Awesome video. Is this possible, or identical to do on an automatic transmission MINI? Specifically have a 2010 R55

[@ModMINI]

Great mod for aggressive driving or wet weather driving. Same process R53/R56. Same Getrag transmission in Ford Focus also apparently so process should be identical for that or most any FWD car! Get the Quaife LSD here (Same part for both R53 / R56 six speed) : www.waymotorworks.com/quaife-limited-slip-differential.html or here: ebay.to/37lNeD6 Get the diff bearings here: www.waymotorworks.com/differential-bearings.html or here: amzn.to/2u5orF4 (quantity 2) Anaerobic sealer: amzn.to/2Q9VqAr Get the 12 ton hydraulic press: amzn.to/36beIex First remove transmission (same work as clutch job): R53: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmTXYoCloNGWf9U R56: (Will add link when I make an R56 turbo clutch video) Thanks for watching!

[@smoilik]

Hi, why didn't you just buy TBKL gearbox which has factory installed LSD? It would be a cheaper option I think. Thanks for your answer

[@ModMINI]

Eugene Eugene the factory LSD is only 25% lockup and it uses friction plates that wear over time. On a sufficiently high mileage car, it would become essentially an open diff.

[@smoilik]

@@ModMINI So trying to find used TBKL gearbox maybe is not a good idea? :thinking_face: I saw some on sale in Europe, but they look like really high milage boxes

[@AIRCOOLEDLIFE]

I wish mine R56 trans was that easy. The reverse and I believe 5th gear came out now I have the luxury of figuring how to get it back in😓😫

[@alfredvalrie5541]

Hey Mod, do you have an updated Amazon link for the 1st gen Minis to upgrade the bright light to LEDs? I don’t think the Torchstar link works anymore.

[@VegaRaizeki]

hi, i havent got my gearbox out as planning to do it on a weekend but i don't have access to a press on the weekend, so i cant pull the old diff off and measure how far in the diff bearings need to be pressed in my question to you is could you tell me how far in the diff bearings need to go into the shaft, is it just so the inner race is flush with the shaft? or is there a measurement for it. cheers

[@DSMTUNER]

So with this style of LSD featuring taper roller bearings, there is no need to verify preload/play in the differential? No shims?

[@Modmaann]

What was the red can of aerosol you were using?

[@jesuspastor3369]

Can I put one of these on a 07 cooper s automatic?

[@liamfanning8148]

If my r53 is kinda old (130k), should i consider rebuilding the transmission while its out? All new bearings bushings shims syncros and what not, it seems to me like every part in there is a wear item.

[@jac1793]

Hi Mod Mini. I have an R50 2002 that i want to swap a 6 speed getrag box with, do you know which gearbox code is the best to use? ending BKE, BKL, BKD

[@potatochobit]

is this mostly the same for an automatic transmission?

[@brokenworld1]

I like you vids but this one got to me a bit - bearings are supplied as matched sets - so the cone and the cup. The cup should have been replaced and the preload set properly for long service life.

[@ppqc]

Are you in the PNW? I take it you service Mini for local community?

[@theartofwanderlust]

Great video, I was worried about having to adjust the lash on the ring gear, that is so much less screwing around. I need to do the clutch, going to do this at the same time. I have been looking at a stage 2 clutch with a light weight flywheel, I don’t track the car but do like to drive spirited through the corners, through the mountains any thoughts? My goal is around 240 hp at the wheels Thanks

[@ModMINI]

If you don't track the car, just put the Valeo kit.

[@rpm-qv7rw]

Thank your for the new vid. Would the LSD fit the 6-speed auto?

[@ModMINI]

I really doubt it.

[@Mark70609]

Mod MINI so there are no LSD options for the seven speed box?

[@peterroshouse]

Another great tutorial. I do cringe a little when you use the hammer. I know you're just tapping, but it's a perfect use for a dead blow.

[@ModMINI]

I barely tap it. I've hit stuff (that I don't mind breaking) a lot harder with this same hammer and surprised at the amount of abuse stuff can take before it breaks.

[@JoeHeine]

I just saw a “LSD conversion kit” on eBay. Anybody know if they are reliable? Thanks in advance

[@brandonmorris9937]

More videos plz lol

[@DSGodwin]

I got a r50 with a bearing clip is broke inside. The bearing is good just not the holder. Any suggestions on getting a new differential

[@ModMINI]

I am not aware of any aftermarket differentials for this transmission.

[@rickybobby9005]

Is there any options for final gear change I would like a taller gear so I can drop some rpm's on the highway

[@ModMINI]

I am not aware of any different ring gear options

[@marony45]

Is any part for this car 1k buks worth?

[@johnduke9488]

Hard to tell, is it possible to install the ring gear upside down on the diff? Or is it pretty self explanatory?

[@ModMINI]

Impossible to put back together if you do that, probably

[@trentnoel2051]

I have a 2004 Mini Cooper s getting code p0500, speed sensor A. Is this an abs sensor or a separate sensor on the transaxle?

[@ModMINI]

The only electric component on a manual transmission is the backup light switch.

[@brandonpeters8916]

I have a question on torque specs. I notice you do alot of "about that tight" while grunting. Is there a conversion chart that converts grunts to ugga duggas? Thanks

[@ModMINI]

No but the general rule is tighten the bolt until it doesn't want to go anymore, and then give it about another 90 degrees rotation. If the amount it doesn't want to become tight is increasing exponentially, it's probably time to stop tightening.

[@grumpysi6704]

Whats the rest of gearbox like to strip got one that sounds like lay shaft bearings

[@ModMINI]

You'll need a cleaner environment, a good organization system, and some gear separator tools most likely.

[@SZGX]

Forgive my ignorance here - I have an R55 2010, automatic transmission - can this Quaife LSD be installed on that?

[@ModMINI]

No. Totally different diff

[@xXOneStepFurtherXx]

Hi, can you replace the input shaft seal by just removing the gearbox, or do you need to split the gearbox to get to it? I can see from realoem that there are two seals around the input shaft. Thanks in advance!

[@ModMINI]

I don't know anything about two seals but the input shaft seal I know about is replaceable by just removing the pilot tube.

[@xXOneStepFurtherXx]

@@ModMINI this is excellent info, thank you, I think I was getting confused on the diagram with the driveshaft seals.

[@semins1981]

Hi and thanks for your videos. An ask, how much clearance need bearing when close the gear case?

[@ModMINI]

It does not require special adjustment like a RWD diff carrier.

[@semins1981]

@@ModMINI thank to You I decide to install LSD and Valeo conversion clutch kit myself and I finish today. I'm so tired but also happy. Forward I will say You feedback

[@12mrnathaniel]

Do you know if the quaife is a direct fit into a bke box?

[@ModMINI]

yes it should.

[@underourrock]

Any benefit to heating the bearing up in an oven? Make for a more gentle press on fit? Shouldn't hurt the bearing, should it?

[@ModMINI]

Sure, it wouldn't' hurt, but it's not tight; it taps right on.

[@underourrock]

@@ModMINI ah okay. I don't have access to a press easily, but I do have plenty of taps (plus a block of wood) and an oven if heating made tapping it on easier. Sounds like the heat is optional.

[@UpStart5]

How does this compare to the factory LSD? Curious if I should make sure to buy one with one factory installed or if I could plan to add one in.

[@ModMINI]

Factory is around 30% lockup. This is 90 or 95%

[@stealth7788]

Can it be installed on MCS R53 auto trans gearbox?

[@ModMINI]

I doubt it.

[@sirdracux6371]

Question? I have a rattle noise in my transmission (05 non s ) I replaced the clutch and bearing clutch, but still with the rattle noise inside the gearbox. Could be the differential bearing ? What is the part number for those bearing?

[@ModMINI]

This seems to be normal for some cars and it's due to gear lash.

[@sirdracux6371]

@@ModMINI thanks !

[@sirdracux6371]

By the way , I replaced the clutch + bearing following your video. Thanks ! U just a Mini master 🙏

[@wottanker397]

What about the oil

[@ModMINI]

Reuse what you took out or redline MTL. Torsen type diffs are not picky about oil

[@johnwittenauer3296]

Does the same LSD fit an R56 base model? Gearbox is already out.

[@ModMINI]

I don't know. If old diff looks like the one in the video, maybe.

[@jayhiz3514]

Please, Please rebuild a 2004 automatic transmission

[@ModMINI]

I can replace a valve body in the AISIN automatic transmission but I don't have the knowledge or experience to do anything more than that.

[@Rolled_Focus_]

Do you know if the Focus svt/st170 and Mini Cooper s lsd’s are compatible?

[@ModMINI]

Sorry, I have no idea.

[@Adamant786]

First gen MINI Cooper S and first gen Focus SVT use the same diff. It should be the same lsd part number.

[@rafaelmonroy7814]

Have you rebuilt the 6 speed transmission? May need to rebuild mine.

[@ModMINI]

No. They rarely fail.

[@rafaelmonroy7814]

Mod MINI thank you for the reply !

[@brianmogle1121]

Does anyone make a SLD for the Automatic transmission? I have a 2017 Mini S.

[@ModMINI]

I have not heard of such a thing. The differential for the earlier automatics is such a dimension as to make an LSD packaging difficult.

[@brianmogle1121]

@@ModMINI It can be done and it wouldn't be that difficult. No matter the automatic or manual transmission, the power is still sent to the gearbox and out to the axle. I contacted Quaife that makes the LSD for manual transmissions. They told me that there is not enough demand for them to make one for the automatic transmission Minis.

[@brianmogle1121]

I just heard back from Quaife and they said this: "Thank you very much for your enquiry; We are currently developing a ATB unit for the auto F56’s in conjunction with Lohen Ltd."

[@Tripmaster2006]

Is that 6spd Getrag pls?

[@ModMINI]

Yes pls.

[@zukkadukk]

r56 jcw n18 2013 stock car dont have LSD ?

[@ModMINI]

Most Gen 2 have software based electronic differential. Which is better than nothing but all it really does is tap the brakes for the wheel that is slipping. Add this to make car more unstoppable

[@bigray3360]

How about the Svt focus?

[@ModMINI]

I have heard it is the same gearbox but I don't know for sure.

[@bigray3360]

@@ModMINI same here....heard the same thing

[@raymondrizzuto7997]

I have an R52 with LSD from the factory. Is that much different from the one you installed?

[@ModMINI]

Yes

[@raymondrizzuto7997]

@@ModMINI could you tell me more about the difference?

[@ModMINI]

@@raymondrizzuto7997 30% vs 95% lockup

[@raymondrizzuto7997]

@@ModMINI I'm guessing that 30% is the factory one, from what I've just read about lockup. I imagine the higher lockup would be for tracking the car?

[@MePeterNicholls]

If I had a garage and ramp I’d attempt this. But I’m outside on Jack stands. So ew

[@02semiata]

Get some quickjacks

[@MePeterNicholls]

@@02semiata well, in the mean time I actually did jack it up and I’ve done the clutch. And 1001 other big jobs too :p

[@jenBaker707]

'about this much' :) one grunt before strip

[@ModMINI]

Oh the bolt could go a lot more before that would happen.

[@andy1056]

If you use the oven, let your wife know first. Mine thought I went nuts, when she looked in the oven and saw my crank damper baking in there.

[@ModMINI]

You wait until wife is out shopping.

[@grantltompkins]

😂😂😂

[@IntellectualKetchup]

That's what she said.. . 4:29, and 6:28 & 6:42 & 8:09 & 8:58 & 9:13 🤣

[@Saxaby]

60-70ftlb which converts to 5-6 ugga duggas to those that need to conversion. 😂