Often the most common problem that happens with the gearbox of your Mini Cooper is overheating. When this begins to happen, you need the help of one of our mechanics to repair and renew the gearbox. Overheating is just one of the many problems that can appear with your gearbox. Mini Cooper owners should be aware of the different gearbox issues that may show up in their Mini Cooper including the ones described below.
Grinding Noise While in Neutral
When the gearbox malfunctions, a grinding noise may appear when the engine is running but the Mini Cooper is in neutral. This may happen because the gearbox is not aligned properly with the engine. This will cause the shaft that connects the flywheel over to the gearbox to bind and make the noise, even when you are in neutral.
A Noisy Gear
Sometimes when you drive the vehicle or you have the Mini Cooper in a repair shop and the rear wheels are turning off the ground, you may notice some loud noises in the gears. There are a few reasons that the noise shows up including:
- The rear bearing is dry on the main shaft.
- The speedometer drive gars are damaged.
- The noise may be heard in neutral and is really pronounced when this is the problem.
- The noise may come from the gearbox if it is in the clutch and in the back of the Mini Cooper.
A Hum When the Car is in Neutral
You may notice a hum in your Mini Cooper when the gearbox is not working properly. There are a few reasons that this may happen in the gearbox including:
- Not enough lubrication.
- The shaft is worn.
- There is too much backlash inside the gear train.
- The gear becomes burned, chipped, badly machined, or improperly matched.
- The forks of the gearshift start rubbing in grooves so the gear interferes in your driving.
- The bearings are worn.
Shifting Becomes Difficult
Sometimes the gearbox can cause some issues with shifting. This can be dangerous when you are driving if you can’t shift any of the gears that you have. There are a few reasons why the gearbox can cause this kind of issue including:
- The splines in the main shaft are distorted.
- The lock spring in the shifters is too strong.
- The clutch adjustment in the gearbox is not aligned.
- The gear teeth are battered.
If one of these problems show up, the shifting that you do on your Mini Cooper will be difficult and may get stuck. You will need to visit a certified mechanic to help get the gearbox fixed and repaired.
Oil Leaks
When the gearbox is not working properly, it can shift things around and make it easy for oil to leak out. Oil may leak out of the gearbox for several reasons including:
- The oil level is too high.
- The oil seals or gaskets are damaged or not installed well.
- The cover bolts are loose.
- The cover or case is cracked.
- The filler plug or drain is loose.
It Slips Out of Gear
One noticeable problem that comes with your 
gearbox is that it will slip out of gear. This can turn into a dangerous issue if you are driving on the road. Some of the reasons that your gearbox may slip out of gear include:
- The teeth in the mesh start to have too much clearance.
- There is not enough mesh in the gears.
- The gears wear out or there is bushing or bearing in the retainers.
- The shifter lock spring becomes broken or weak.
- The remote-control shifting mechanism comes out of adjustment.
- The gearbox is not aligned properly with the engine.
If any of these issues show up with the gearbox in your Mini Cooper, it is important to visit a licensed mechanic to get the issue fixed as soon as possible.
At My Dad’s Automotive, our licensed mechanics can help handle any gearbox issues that show up in your Mini Cooper. We are proud to serve the residents of Aldie, Ashburn, Centreville, Herndon, Reston, and Chantilly, VA with all of their auto repair needs. Call us today to schedule your appointment. We are proud of our work and hope to see you as a repeat customer.