Help needed MCS supercharger failing

[neilcvikh]

My mrs has a 52 plate MCS and the supercharger has started making a rattling noise which appears to be getting worse. I've been looking for solutions on the internet but have not found any that fill me with confidence. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[hyperblue]

What's the mileage on the car?

[neilcvikh]

Just under 73000 miles

[Richyvrlimited]

neilcvikh said:

My mrs has a 52 plate MCS and the supercharger has started making a rattling noise which appears to be getting worse. I've been looking for solutions on the internet but have not found any that fill me with confidence. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

If it's a grubling/rattling noise predominately at idle it's likely just the coupler (which links the drive from the nose section to the rotors), You can get replacement couplers and the required oil for circa £30 from eBay USA, you can even get uprated couplers if you facny it.

I've never removed a MINI supercharger, so I'm not sure how accessible the nose section is, but once you can access the nose section changing the coupler and replacing the oil takes about 10 minutes.

That said there's a fair few posts on MINI forums about a 'death rattle' which is something to do with the engine timing chain, so make sure it's not that first!

[Eviltad]

Hmmm, interesting. Mine was replaced at 100k with a similar complaint.

Was an intercooler off job to get to s/c and then it was just replaced.

I think, about £450 plus a new charger to do it.

[neilcvikh]

Thanks for replying! The noise is all the time, and it's getting louder! It started of as a tinny rattling sound but is increasing in volume! Her mate (a mechanic) said he thinks it's either the water cooler, alternator or worst case (and the one he thinks it is) s/c. Any of them are gonna be a big job, need to take most of the front end off to get to them!!

Anyone know of any specialists/anyone who's in the know to diagnose in the north west? Help Please.

[Gregory CooperS]

my supercharger went last year. only about 48K miles. Took to it to a place near who deal with German cars and they found that the water pump, some how, was taking the oil away from the charger. Had to have a new s/c, which they could only get the JCW one and a new water pump. Cost my £700+ also had to get a new idler too

[Eviltad]

neilcvikh said:

Anyone know of any specialists/anyone who's in the know to diagnose in the north west? Help Please.

Second hand s/c from http://www.minisparesuk.com/ in Bury.

Mad4Mini in Leeds did mine but they were only a mile from my house. Where in North West are you?

Coastal Racing are in Lancaster and they are meant to be OK.

[chuntington101]

...maybe its time to upgrade to a sprintex???........

[neilcvikh]

Just to let u all know, it turned out to be the idler pulley. It needed a new kit and the belt changing, as this was slightly worn. It cost £240.
Thanks to those who pointed us in the right direction :-)