# 2002 Mini Cooper S clutch noise

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-mini-cooper-s-clutch-noise/25851>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [January 31, 2009, 9:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-mini-cooper-s-clutch-noise/25851 "2009-01-31T21:33:54Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![andyaz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d07c76/32.png) [@andyaz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andyaz)\
**Post date:** [January 31, 2009, 9:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-mini-cooper-s-clutch-noise/25851/1 "2009-01-31T21:33:54Z")

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Occasionally, I get a short squeeling noise as I release the clutch in 1st gear. It’s been doing this since I bought the car 12,000 miles ago, no better, no worse. Release bearing?

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [January 31, 2009, 10:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-mini-cooper-s-clutch-noise/25851/2 "2009-01-31T22:01:32Z")

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If it were the clutch release bearing I think it would make noise at times other than in first gear. A bad release bearing usually makes noise when the clutch pedal is not in use, and gets quiet when you step on the pedal.

Are you sure it’s not tire squeal? My son’s Cooper S easily spins its tires in first gear.

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**Author:** ![andyaz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d07c76/32.png) [@andyaz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andyaz)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2009, 6:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-mini-cooper-s-clutch-noise/25851/3 "2009-02-01T18:50:05Z")

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Yeah, I’m sure it’s not tire squeal. Sounds more like a belt noise, but it’s definitely related to the clutch.