MINI - Lighter Clutch

Q
Please can you advise how I can get the clutch made lighter on my MINI? I find there is very heavy resistance to depressing the clutch and I am finding this a real issue.

A
If your MINI is old with plenty of miles on the clock and still on its original clutch, then the symptoms you are describing can signify it's ready to be changed. However, a heavy clutch can also mean something a little simpler, such as the rod that operates it has been damaged. This rod is attached to the gearbox and can be inspected from inside the engine bay to see if it has been bent or distorted in any way.
Just in case you do need a new clutch, as a rough guide, MINI Matt charges £360 to change th clutch on a Midlands gearbox. This includes the fitting of a new release bearing and renewal of the gearbox oil.