The Dreaded "Chewbacca"

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   I have a 2006 JCW that I purchased used about a month ago with 48,000 miles.  Just a few days ago it started making what I guess is known to be the Chewbacca noise which is a kind of metallic moaning noise when I pull off from a complete stop in 1st gear.  The noise only happens in 1st gear and only the first few times I start from a full stop and then it goes away so it seems to be something that happens when the car is cold.
From what I have read in my research the past couple of days, this seems to be a fairly common issue caused by the flywheel and, if I want to get rid of it, would need the entire clutch replaced.

I am wondering if anyone else has had this issue and if they got it fixed and where.  I see recommendations for ZahnTech and Broadstroke Associates.  Both of those shops are pretty close to me thankfully.  From what I have read it isn't something that is damaging to the car and is more of an annoyance.

I love this car and want to take good care of it so if the clutch needs replacing I'll pony up the dough but I figured I'd ask here if anyone has had a similar experience.

Thanks in advance!

Travis

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
TravisB Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: May/15/13 Location: Bothell Status: Offline Points: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote TravisB Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: The Dreaded "Chewbacca" Posted: May/15/13 at 3:58pm
	I have a 2006 JCW that I purchased used about a month ago with 48,000 miles. Just a few days ago it started making what I guess is known to be the Chewbacca noise which is a kind of metallic moaning noise when I pull off from a complete stop in 1st gear. The noise only happens in 1st gear and only the first few times I start from a full stop and then it goes away so it seems to be something that happens when the car is cold. From what I have read in my research the past couple of days, this seems to be a fairly common issue caused by the flywheel and, if I want to get rid of it, would need the entire clutch replaced. I am wondering if anyone else has had this issue and if they got it fixed and where. I see recommendations for ZahnTech and Broadstroke Associates. Both of those shops are pretty close to me thankfully. From what I have read it isn't something that is damaging to the car and is more of an annoyance. I love this car and want to take good care of it so if the clutch needs replacing I'll pony up the dough but I figured I'd ask here if anyone has had a similar experience. Thanks in advance! Travis

Slyderone Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: July/01/10 Location: Maple Valley Status: Offline Points: 279	Post Options Post Reply Quote Slyderone Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/15/13 at 5:05pm
	I think I have the same type of noise not sure why it was there I don’t think it is hurting anything I heard it at 55k when I got slyderone and still there at 105K not every day and I can’t seem to figure what is causing it rain, dry, hot, or cold it is what it is shows up when it wants.
	John 05 MCSC: Alta CAI, 15%, JCW Head and Injectors, RMW Street Cam, Jan Tune (SLYDER1 plates) "I am a leaf on the wind. Watch me soar…"

Wildfamily Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: March/11/06 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4559	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wildfamily Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/16/13 at 7:29am
	Started on my R53 at around 40-50K miles...only when cold and first time or two pulling away in 1st gear. Yes, it's just a flywheel glazing issue..anyoying yes, trouble no. I'd just wait till you need to replace your clutch as it will cost a pretty penny to pull all of that apart anyway.
	'15 F55 Cooper Volcanic Orange '80 Mini English White

EAR2EAR Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Skilled Member PSMINI Member Joined: May/17/05 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 273	Post Options Post Reply Quote EAR2EAR Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/16/13 at 7:47am
	Ours started at about 50K, first couple of starts then disappears. At about 75K the pedal felt stiffer due to some nylon bushing issues that are common. Today at 125K it's still the same and no issues with clutch slippage. I know others with over 150K on the original clutch so you may have some miles left on your clutch. Welcome to the club. Coll

Rob N Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: August/13/04 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2020	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rob N Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/16/13 at 8:32am
	Mine started quite a bit earlier mileage wise but Alice doesn't get driven a lot. Does it exactly like everyone else has posted. Mostly when the weather is damp and only on the first few launches. Been doing it for years.
	Rob, Vickie and Alice COOPR-S The question is, "When you turn on your car does it return the favor?"

KnottyMan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: March/29/06 Location: Freeland Status: Offline Points: 182	Post Options Post Reply Quote KnottyMan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/17/13 at 9:02am
	Due to how prevalent this issue is/was, I had NW Mini fix this under warranty. While they were in there they recommended a new clutch so I basically only have to pay for the part. You might be able to get either Seattle Mini to cover this since your mileage is low enough, but they might balk due to out of warranty based on year. Worth a shot?

Rob N Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: August/13/04 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2020	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rob N Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/17/13 at 9:12am
	Not for me. While the mileage is low, the age (like my own) is not. She was built in 11/02.
	Rob, Vickie and Alice COOPR-S The question is, "When you turn on your car does it return the favor?"

RickB Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: May/20/05 Location: Shoreline, WA Status: Offline Points: 226	Post Options Post Reply Quote RickB Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/18/13 at 7:24pm
	Mine started at about 60,000mi, then it got more frequent and each groan loooooonger in duration, until it was every time I moved away from a stop, and with a stiffer pedal. I had the clutch replaced, including the fancy, dual-mass flywheel at 90,000mi. I generally baby my car, and would have expected the clutch to last longer than 90k, but that's apparently about par for the course.
	'02 Cooper S, Alta pulley, Alta CAI, M7 brace, Madness brace, One-ball, D1 Spec Throttle Controller, ExtremeContact DW, Koni FSD, Boot Box, Glove Box Organizer . . . Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas

CORNERS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: July/29/10 Location: Bothell, WA Status: Offline Points: 3733	Post Options Post Reply Quote CORNERS Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/20/13 at 10:48am
	I think this is the dual mass flywheel that is making the noise. Mine does it too. I wouldn't worry about it unless you are getting erratic application of power on acceleration.
	Kurt/04 R53 Check out My MOD MINI repair videos channel @ YouTube