Pressure Plate Finger Grooves, caused by the throwout bearing Options

[McMark]

Hey guys, check my logic here. I see this type of grooving all the time, on nearly every pressure plate I see - regardless of engine type, horsepower, etc. I hadn't given it too much thought other than, "I don't like it, but it happens every time." But I was just talking with someone and it occurred to me that this might be wear caused by a bad throwout bearing. If the grease is sticky, or if dirt has infiltrated the bearing, it may not be able to rotate/spin correctly and would slip causing wear.

The point of the throwout bearing should be to stop exactly this type of wear, right?
Doest this mean bad throwout bearings are super common?
Or is this a symptom of a loose clutch cable, not holding the throwout bearing tight to the fingers and that lets them slip?

[JStroud]

So my question, the PP picture in the first post, is it usable?
I ask because I'm the one that sent it to McMark wondering if I should use it for my 3.2 or buy a new one. It's a kep stage II.

[SirAndy]

I ask because I'm the one that sent it to McMark wondering if I should use it for my 3.2 or buy a new one. It's a kep stage II.

Aha!

Now i'm curious as well, but i see a clear pattern here.
Since my transmission always has had trouble getting into gear when at a standstill, i *always* keep it in gear and my foot on the clutch when stopped.

Interestingly enough, i never noticed any grinding noises ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[Cap'n Krusty]

I ask because I'm the one that sent it to McMark wondering if I should use it for my 3.2 or buy a new one. It's a kep stage II.

Aha!

Now i'm curious as well, but i see a clear pattern here.
Since my transmission always has had trouble getting into gear when at a standstill, i *always* keep it in gear and my foot on the clutch when stopped.

Interestingly enough, i never noticed any grinding noises ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Doing as you do, Andy, is a guaranteed way to shorten the life of the thrust bearing in the crankcase. T1s and T4s are known for this (takes out the case, too), as are 4 cylinder VW watercooled engines. I've also seen it in Toyotas, Hondas, and even Hyundais. It CAN happen to you ...

The Cap'n