Replace MINI Cooper S Clutch 2007 2013~ R56 R55 R58 R59

Links for tools & parts below! Similar process for any 2007-2013 Mini Cooper or Mini Cooper S R56, for Coupe/Roadster R58/R59 or first generation Countryman / Paceman R60/R61.
**be sure to verify fitment for your specific vehicle for vehicle parts suggested below**
*** Parts ***
Crankshaft seal / rear main seal
amzn.to/3wloVT0
Clutch kit for N14 engine (228mm disk size):
amzn.to/3dxFEtU
or
ebay.to/3wvojKz
Dual mass flywheel for N14 engine (228mm disk size):
amzn.to/3urt8mz
or
ebay.to/2PqDDrr
Clutch kit for N12/N16 (base Cooper non-turbo):
amzn.to/3ml5i9h
Flywheel for N12/N16 (base Cooper non-turbo) (Flywheel replacement optional on this engine):
amzn.to/3unSOjK
Clutch kit for N18 turbo engine/ Countryman/Paceman (235mm disk size)
ebay.to/2R60pFs
or
amzn.to/2PsjykA
Dual mass flywheel for N18 turbo engine/Countryman/Paceman (235mm disk size)
ebay.to/3dBdiyK
or
amzn.to/3cQOAvm
Redline MTL Transmission Fluid (2 liters/quarts)
amzn.to/3miHiTW
Long funnel with tube
amzn.to/31Q2HKI
*****Tools ****
Milwaukee Fuel 3/8 mini impact gun
amzn.to/3unFDiR
Milwaukee Fuel 3/8 mini ratchet
amzn.to/2R2S4Ch
Ridgid 1/2 impact gun
amzn.to/2OojsK8
(But I’d suggest getting Milwaukee M18 instead)
amzn.to/2Ps8fsE
External star (Reverse Torx) socket set
amzn.to/3fIPT0T
Torx socket set
amzn.to/3mklUxD
Socket extension set 1/4, 3/8, 1/2
amzn.to/3wrav3H
Exhaust hanger pliers:
amzn.to/3mkXFPR
Snap ring pliers:
amzn.to/3wlmujk
Transmission jack
amzn.to/3rUWZBT
Hydraulic lift table (mine is no longer available, choose from similar options)
amzn.to/3fGFJ0V
Pole jack (mine is no longer available, choose from similar options)
amzn.to/31OS9eW
MaxJax low-rise residential shop lift:
www.maxjax.com/maxjax/
Video recorded with Gopro Hero 8 Black
amzn.to/3upxP0e
How to remove front end R56:
• Front End Service Mode...
How to replace transmission clutch, flywheel, throwout bearing, rear seal / crankshaft seal for R56 R55 R58 R59 R60 R61 Mini Cooper, Cooper S, Turbo, John Cooper Works, JCW GP.
Want to show your support for MOD Mini? Go to the Mod MINI Tip Jar! here:
fundly.com/mod-mini-tip-jar?
Thanks for watching!

[@0v3rkill]

This is definitely beyond me, I would definitely be panicking. Love how calm and collected you are, you can tell the experience behind the voice.

[@lyleweaver7040]

I just did this job. This video super helpful. After I put it all back together, I had trouble with the DSC and brake lights on the dash. You have to make sure you don’t accidentally turn the steering wheel while it’s disconnected or you will get all kinds of error codes. Make sure you take it apart straight and keep it in the same position when you put it back together. Also, make sure you unplug the power steering plugs as other commenters have said. That is one thing missing in this video.

[@YoungPineTree]

Before the video: Maybe I can get a few tools to work on my MINI. After the video: NOPE, don't think so.

[@stephenemery1934]

Thank you for making such a brilliant video, it made the job so much easier and quicker than having to decipher a workshop manual.

[@jeremyryerson2755]

Thanks again for doing these! I used our R53 video to do my old R53 and now I'm sure I will be using this in the future for my R56 JCW! These are the best!

[@dustinaadland9792]

Thank you for posting this video. I used it to change out my clutch on my R56 and have to say it was an immense help. Between this and my manual it made it really simple. Using your other video to work on my R53.

[@sanigene]

Great video, very concise instructions. Personally I prefer to take the engine out because, for me anyway, I'm more confident and faster at removing the front end rather than the sub-frame whilst the car is on jack stands.

[@AlainSainz]

Thank you so much! A few years ago I used another of your videos to change my 2006 mini's clutch. This time it will be my 2013 one. The throw out bearing gave out. This will be my guide once more. Thank you!

[@whidd0w846]

Amazing in depth information! if only everyone explained things this well about cars on KZbin lmao

[@bluedunn374]

Yesssssss!!!!!!!!! Thank god your still making Mini goodness, we've missed you mate.

[@spyder5571]

Welcome back! I was having mini repair withdrawals.

[@kozmaz87]

That clutch alignment tool collection ROFL. You are working very nice. Good tricks in that bag of yours :) Well done.

[@flipshere1]

Awesome that your still making videos.. much love from UK

[@mini_special]

They are much loved and needed .... :)

[@Super_64]

Glad to see the videos coming back

[@Izaakku]

Thanks to you, i installed Alone my clutch kit and Flywheel. You're the best!

[@speakersr-lyefaudio6830]

How much did it cost altogether since you weren't paying for labor.

[@oPiggySue]

Awesome vid, quite thorough...however...at around 5:50 you can see 2 connectors on the power steering module on the steering rack. I never saw you mention those 2 needed unplugged and I dropped my subframe and they...disconnected themselves. 😞 Hopefully they'll clip back on or I'll have to zip tie them. Just wanted to share in case anyone else is doing this clutch work!

[@lyleweaver7040]

Yeah me too. And that was after I saw your comment. Shame on me. Just forgot.

[@yomama5785]

Just added to the tip jar. Thanks for all your content and thanks for coming back to us!

[@ModMINI]

Thank you!

[@dbnzt]

Gawdang you've done alot of clutch jobs! And love the shop setup, u even have a crane lol so badass. Ty for the tips

[@mason0302]

best video about for clutch replacement and step by step guide top work man

[@StormRiordan]

Heck yes. Got a Valeo kit and was hoping your video would come out before I had to use it!

[@yousefalmasri9890]

Thank u for the video, gonna attempt it tmrw, never changed anything that complicated in my mini2009, most was brakes and oil, fingers crossed. Thank you and have a great life ❤

[@lucyssnakes698]

Your garage sir is a one day dream garage of mine. Great video!

[@DaveJayMedia]

Going to add this video to my saves. Great guide. No doubt i'll need to change mine at somepoint!

[@TheSitscha]

Hey there, Yeah glad to see that youre still wrenching on Minis. You saved my life back in 2015 when I watched every Mini Video, was very helpfull. Thanks for the content. Greetings from Germany

[@joeaverage5347]

Fantastic detail and explanations! Really nice to see a true professional at work (and not Bubba working with a claw hammer and Crescent wrench). After watching, I feel like I could do it, but, Man, quite a job! Might want to pay pros to do this one!

[@ModMINI]

I vividly remember a relatively well-known MINI performance shop using a claw hammer in a video about installing an LSD... You have a fancy shop and work on (new at the time) MINIs and you have a claw hammer in it? Wasn't at his house or anything.

[@Clemente4u]

Thank you for an awesome and thorough instructional video! 😊👍🏽

[@taffyboy1978]

Great video, it definitely confirms that I will definitely not be doing this myself 🤣

[@turbomarch7275]

Using this video every step of the way on my mini clutch install, however I’m install a twin disc clutch and it’s a nightmare to get the gearbox back onto the engine and everything to line up. Gave up today, back onto it tomorow. Just wanted to say thanks for a great video!

[@dylanhalouska47]

Don’t even have the car I have a r53 but man you’ve helped me so much with that I figure why not help you lol great video mate!

[@williammatthews35]

Nice to see how the process for the R55 - R59 is more of a refinement of the process for R50 - R53

[@tm5346]

You make everything look so easy! Excellent video congratulations I’ll never be able to do something like this! Ha

[@nurse.reef.repeatandsomuch1758]

You Made it look so easy! Good job!

[@Peter-ei9eg]

…soon i‘ll try to do mine (r56 2007 120ps) like in your video! I‘m very happy with your tutorial, thankful from Austria

[@KPalmAir]

Super helpful, thank you! Finding I can do it without having to put it into service mode means I should be able to get it done in a weekend! Also thank you for the clutch and flywheel links, Amazon was cheaper than anywhere else I could find for good name brand stuff, I hope you have affiliate links set up and get a little cut!

[@tedd7028]

Clutch install in under 45 minutes? Amazing!

[@ModMINI]

It takes longer than 45 minutes. Unless it's a race or something.

[@pansolo]

It’s the magic of editing

[@kdwalker1656]

Thanks for the detailed process for replacing the R56 transmission. However, Not sure if removing the engine is easier; I never had the luxury of a lift; if I did, I would indeed consider doing it this way. For me, with the engine and tranny out of the car, bolts were visible and accessible for wrench swing, separation of the housing, and housing alignment (working alone) during reassembly were seemingly more straightforward, especially without a lift. The clutch alignment tip without a tool was gold! Definitely, this is a walk in the park for you! Well done.

[@ModMINI]

It's relatively easy to remove an r56 engine, so sure, if you want avoid subframe removal, this a possible method.

[@bills4275]

nice work, been watching you on and off over the years, I like the upgrades for the lifting in the shop.. jack stands to quick jack to maxjax ,,

[@ModMINI]

Yeah this is a little better - thanks for watching

[@MegaMyk777]

Thanks so much this video was a huge help, just finished mine up

[@JCC1256]

You can also use an Allen wrench to hold the bolts instead of vice grips just my 2 cents, great video!!

[@scottkelderhouse933]

Great video. Thanks for the quality instructions.

[@enutin]

Perfect example of a flat rate tech..nice job

[@dejaentendu247]

Great video, impressive.

[@riley_roach]

wow this is so informative. I feel confident for when I need to do it. Thanks so much

[@steve660917]

Thanks for this mate, its very much appreciated!!

[@stephenemery1934]

Thanks for the very helpful video

[@gregdelasavoie2105]

Great clip... thanks for sharing

[@Donorcyclist]

Great video! Thank you for the tutorial!

[@rogermaris1965]

great video thanks for creating it, really came in handy.

[@chitotanada1389]

Wow !! All these work for a clutch repair !! But awesome job !!!

[@chrisknoch76]

is Jordan Peterson working on mini's ? lol Best "how to" on KZbin !

[@ModMINI]

I don't know who that is but thanks for the comment and support!

[@_slipAngle_]

Great video! Any idea how much different is an F56 would be? Want to install a limited slip differential and wondering if I should tackle the job on my own.

[@kevinhuynh100]

Awesome video. Much appreciated.

[@caddy67]

Wow, thanks for this great video, you really helped me out here!

[@mjshuja1948]

I WATCHED YOUR WHOLE VIDEO 👍👍👍👍👍YOU THE BEST😱😱😱😱😱LOOKS LIKE YOU HAVE DONE THIS JOB MANY TIME 👍👍👍YOU MADE IT LOOK SIMPE😱😱😱😱WHEN IT IS NOT👍👍👍👍I AM ALMOST 80 YEARS OLD 👍👍👍WORK ON ONLY GERMAN CAR😱😱😱😱SPECIALLY AMG MERCEDES

[@dosphari]

Excellent video... great work.

[@joshuacohn2004]

That video helped me a lot thank you very much

[@musguelha14]

Big job on these..

[@sealslayer]

Brilliant video

[@reedjacksonmaccom]

Thanks for this. I did it the “through the crash guard way” once (then put the rear main seal in wrong) now doing it this way. they seem equally laborious but the tedium of all the trim buttons / clips when doing it “thru the crash guard” is totally annoying this way looked “heavy” at first, but its not really on the floor, with crawler and stands 😄

[@gregoriocasita]

Great wok!!!

[@garethrees100]

Good skills

[@mcl2462]

Great video ❤❤❤!!

[@malp6280]

excellent as I'm currently undergoing my clutch/flywheel change at the moment, except I'm opting for the front off route as I've no car hoist etc my only concern is I'm outside & the reinstallation of the of the gearbox, due to the size & unequal weight. I've also a stuck leaking drive shaft also to content with "so my gearbox needs to be split" I say stuck as x2 garages couldn't remove the shaft in situe & have recommended replacing the shaft when the clutch needs changing so my new jobs change clutch & fly wheel replace upgrade intercooler replace & upgrade front rear control arm bushes re-fit decat pipe & then lastly rebuild the last rear brake caliper so all my brakes are 100% rebuilt

[@austin240zman]

Thinking I could do this ,but not so much ,that’s a lot of work ! Great Video though.

[@martinez68137]

Tnk for you video

[@LeTessier916]

Awesome video thank you. Was hoping there was a way to do this without having to pull engine as well

[@jaimegrullon1202]

Awesome work , thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have a question on a canaidian / European 2003 Mini Cooper s should I buy one in good condition or stay away from it since I live in USA . Concern is getting parts for it . Thank you

[@brendenmoldy]

Nice!

[@Rob-C]

Hey Curt, I was wondering if you've ever had to fix water in the rear lift gate on a gen 1 r53?? Thanks for another great vid

[@user-he2ip2ye5l]

Great video, do you recommend any single mass conversion clutch kits?

[@darrenastbury5280]

I'm also thinking of attempting this on axle stands, however I think I'm going to take the front off and pull the engine and gearbox out and whilst its all out walnut blast the inlets? God these cars are hard work but when they are running right they are a blast!! Already done timing chain and valve stem seals in situ so might as well do the clutch LOL.

[@richmr2174]

Hi there. I am prepping to do this over the weekend (2009 R56/N12, base Cooper) and have been watching this video every day for the last few days. I have been seeing conflicting info on reusing the transmission fill and drain plugs or not. Additionally I am seeing conflicting info on using the Redline MTL Transmission Fluid for the GS6-55BG transmission. Folks say no but other data states the Redline MTL is a valid replacement for the BMW part number listed in the Bentley manual. Do you have opinions/experience on either of these two questions? I appreciate your time.

[@CCROSS5882]

Can tell this is not your first rodeo with the mini, Great job, this is my first Rodeo with an 2010 with an automatic, Bought a parts car for the Transmission, Had to remove it so a little experience there but the nose was off the car already, I do have a mid rise lift which is great to have. Thanks for sharing.

[@underourrock]

Working on this now. Don't know if you'll see my question, but just in case: Do you know how much I can lower the engine safely while only one mount is connected? I have the transmission mounts removed and I need to lower the engine/transmission down to my lift. I think my gap is too high and I'll need to come up with a stack of wood or something to lower it onto. Don't know what my target is for how much I should lower the engine at most. I hope this was clear. Edit: I've got it down to 3" of engine lowering with a solid wood base on my lift. I'm hoping that lowering 3" is okay on the other mount. Will take it slow and see if I can tell if there is a problem.

[@dongjin1873]

Good video have a question is the r56 motor same for automatic and manual type transmission?

[@widelcd]

Thanks for the video and advice. Those who designed the Mini transmission and front end , had a true brain fart, maybe they should have asked Toyota how to design easy maintenance engine and clutch.

[@joeverweire6095]

I have to get one of those exhaust hanger tools

[@thomaschatton592]

Damn it looks much easier than on the R53S

[@ModMINI]

R53 would be a lot easier if the supercharger intake was not in the way.

[@chatchatty2155]

Well done I have a 2011 Mini Cooper d 1.6 engine would I follow the same instruction or is the gear box and clutch difrent in deisal engine thanks

[@skinnybuddhaman]

Hi Mod Mini, Great video and a fan as well. I am using this video to replace the rear main seal on my 2007 R56 automatic, as it's mostly the same procedure except for some linkage parts on top of bell housing and removing the torque converter on the engine block side. Question for you... Are any of the screws / bolts removed, especially for the clutch and or torque converter (in my case) areas 1 time use? or can they be reused? There is a round crank hub cover with 6 - 13mm bolts that hold it on and they were very hard to loosen, but all came out. When I tried to re-install these however, they seem to stop about 1/16" to 1/8" before being flush and I am afraid they might break off with the extreme force needed to re-tighten these bolts. Thanks for your time and looking forward to your response.

[@ModMINI]

Pretty sure all bolts are reusable but do google search as I don't know about the flex plate.

[@victorduran4051]

great video John. I have a question for you though for a R53 engine, I had a P0507 code pop up and I looked over all the problem it could be nd still having a yo-yo rough Idle to the point of wanting to bog and then shut down. My question is does the intercooler for the supercharger meter air? had to disconnect it to change my sparkplugs and wires. once I did that it started happening. my guess is there is a vaccum leak between the throttle body or supercharger intercooler.

[@ModMINI]

This is not an R53 video and I'm not John, but if you have an intercooler boot seal leak the car will never run correctly.

[@davidandsuzy2516]

VERY GOOD VIDEO WORTH SUBSCRIBING TO

[@null_data]

I was wondering what kind of gloves you use when you're working on these cars. I have a tendency to cut up my hands when I'm working on my 1st gen mini, and I've been trying to find gloves that I could use to help prevent this. Love the videos, I'm about to replace my cv axles using your tutorials. Thanks in advance!

[@ModMINI]

These are disposable cotton gloves from Harbor Freight (USA)

[@eldiablolopez2079]

Do you have video on how to replace connector under seat for air bags?

[@elpelon10501]

What is you recommendation in my r56 the clutch was remplace a the mini dealer 3 years ago after 14000 miles the clutch fork fail. What is you opinion remplace the Clutch again and new fork o just new fork and trust bearing! I hope you can give a opinion!!

[@ianwalsh3331]

Is there any way to check the clutch wear level without taking off the bell housing? For example taking out the slave cylinder or checking some place else? Cheers

[@coleroland313]

Can you remove engine from the top without removing tranny and front end on Gen 2? Sure looked like it work when I replaced the cylinder head. Great videos!

[@mikehays1167]

Excellent job! How much should this cost if I were to take it to a shop?

[@paddybarnwell2971]

How may hours labour with this method versus the front end removal ?

[@bobbys6364]

Without a car lift and transmission jack, my experience tells me that removing the engine out if the front of the car with trans attached is easier than trying to remove the subframe and doing all the work of removing and aligning the transmission from underneath the car. Maybe even easier than if you have the lift etc..... but I've never done it that way.

[@ModMINI]

Well yes, if you have a cherry picker and don't mind the extra disassembly, you trade time for needing less heavy tools. it's definitely more time consuming to remove entire engine. You can also use a cherry picker to suspend the transmission, taking the weight off and making easier to align from the top.

[@franciscoreyes151]

Hello Sr I had a situation I’m trying to fix my 2009 mini base! I swap the engine And put my old manual trans! And she start good but she staying on neutral maybe I forgot something. If you could give me some ideas of what it could be, I would appreciate it.

[@doughampton7005]

I have a 2011 R55 Mini and had the clutch, flywheel and slave cylinder replaced at a local garage and when they removed the battery cable to do the job and when they finished everything up and put the battery cable back on the clutch works fine but the windows won't go up or down and turn signals don't work and interior lights don't work. What can be done to correct this?

[@alexnicolaou3579]

Excellent video, however this may actually make me have second thoughts about buying an R56 fixer-upper project car :/ specially without a car lift and indoor workspace, i think something like a miata would be a better DIY project, there's people who drop and install gearboxes on them in a matter of 2-3 hours, alone, on jack stands

[@CarHuddle]

Thanks for this!! Needing to replace the gearbox at the same time, will a standard cooper S gearbox fit my N14 JCW? Thanks again! :)

[@ModMINI]

Check realoem.com if the part numbers are the same or not.

[@gearupaaron]

@Mod Mini - You can work on my JCW anytime! Pity I'm in Maine.

[@carlos2004]

wow, i was looking into buying a manual mini, but after watching, i'm honestly now hesitant to get one. the mini would be used and if it starts having problems, the parts and repairs seem they would both be costly.

[@michaelkane5337]

Do you have to bleed the clutch if you do this procedure?

[@samrafraf2349]

Hey there! Do you have the torque specs for the pressure plate bolts and the flywheel bolts??

[@gabrieljuarez1000]

Ah the money pit. I love my mini though

[@CM-wx2hu]

Thanks to your videos, I could replace a lot of parts of my mini r53. But I have a problem with the serpentine belt, it squealing at 3000 rpm. Any advice?

[@ModMINI]

Subtract about 40 minutes.

[@justineverely9961]

I have a 2009 cooperS. Shifter is not sloppy, when I let the clutch out it just sits there like it’s in neutral. I can go through the gears with the engine running with NO grinding. Does that sound like a clutch problem? Any help is greatly appreciated from anyone. Thank you.