What to Do About Vibrations from Your Mini’s Malfunctioning Flywheel

Do you feel some unusual sensations when driving your Mini with a manual transmission? This may sound like just an inconvenience, but vibrations are symptoms of a greater problem, for example, a faulty flywheel. Flywheel is a component of your Mini’s drivetrain system which is basically between the engine and the transmission to balance and regulate the car. It retains torques produced by the engine and acts as a vibration dampener in manual transmission vehicles.

Mini drivers enjoy the car due to the comfort and accuracy that is provided by this model. Whenever something interferes with that balance, in this case, the flywheel issues, it is important to correct it. So, what leads to a flywheel failure and how can one deal with it?

Causes of Flywheel Failure

Clutch Damage

The flywheel is most effectively used with the clutch in automobiles with manual transmission. When the clutch is worn out or begins to slip (when it cannot grab the flywheel), it generates a lot of heat. This heat on the surface of the flywheel reduces its efficiency and the component will ultimately fail.

High Mileage

Whenever you push or ease the clutch pedal, the flywheel is connected or disconnected with the pressure plate. However, with time, especially if you have been using your car for several years, this constant process will wear out the flywheel. It’s like when a pair of shoes wears out from use after a while of walking a lot.

Heat Stress

Driving behavior is also a factor that affects the flywheel in a negative way. When you use your car to drive through heavy traffic or for long distances at high speeds – the engine and clutch heat up and this places pressure on the flywheel and can lead to warping or even cracking.

Improper Maintenance

Your car is like you and it also requires a check up from time to time. If the regular check is not done, then some minor problems with the flywheel may not be detected. For example, if the clutch, or other parts of the system, are not examined and replaced when necessary, the flywheel takes all the punishment. If not addressed in the early stages, the flywheel might end up failing completely.

What to Do About Flywheel Vibrations

Get a Professional Diagnosis

The first procedure is to have your Mini taken to a reputable repair center close to you. Only those who are professional technicians are capable of examining the flywheel, clutch and the neighboring components to diagnose the problem. This in turn protects you from using more of your money or time on repairs that may not be necessary.

Replace the Flywheel

Often a flywheel will fail and will require replacement in order for it to work again. Some flywheels can be resurfaced but this is not often the most brilliant idea since it only solves the problem temporarily. Replacing the flywheel with a new and high quality one will guarantee the long time use and durability of the car.

Check the Clutch System

Clutch and flywheel problems are usually interrelated most of the time. If the clutch is worn or damaged it would be best to change it and the flywheel at the same time. This eliminates future issues and is less labour intensive because the transmission will be out of the car anyways.

For Quality and Professional Flywheel Repairs, Come To Us At Germany’s Best Inc.

If you think or perceive that your Mini is showing signs of flywheel problems, such as vibrations, do not hesitate to get it checked at a reputable European car service center. Our staff of professional mechanics at Germany’s Best Inc. in Oakland, CA has been repairing Mini vehicles for several years, and we’re ready and waiting to serve you.

We are always ready to help you fix the problems in your luxurious vehicles whether you are a resident of Emeryville, Piedmont, Berkeley or any other surrounding area. Our facility is properly stocked with quality replacement parts as well as state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to give your Mini the service it needs. Whether you need a new flywheel or need your clutch system rebuilt from the ground up, we’ve got you covered. Come to our workshop in Oakland today and let our ASE mechanics get your Mini back to its smooth running state.