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?

[r_towle]

Got it....
Again, it's a risk, but if it's free or super cheap, and you are ok replacing it eventually, go for it....but know it's an issue that will need to be fixed...soon.

[JStroud]

Got it....
Again, it's a risk, but if it's free or super cheap, and you are ok replacing it eventually, go for it....but know it's an issue that will need to be fixed...soon.

How soon....are we talking 5000miles, 50,000 miles. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

If the tip of the fingers break off, what happens, anyone see that?

Thanks
Jeff

[McMark]

Got it....
Again, it's a risk, but if it's free or super cheap, and you are ok replacing it eventually, go for it....but know it's an issue that will need to be fixed...soon.

How soon....are we talking 5000miles, 50,000 miles. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

If the tip of the fingers break off, what happens, anyone see that?

Thanks
Jeff

Google images shows some of these with broken fingers, so it does happen. Worst case scenario you lose some or all of your ability to disengage the clutch. Then you get it home, pull the transmission with the engine still in place, and swap in a new pressure plate. If it were my personal car, I'd run it and plan on swapping it out in a year or so.

[r_towle]

Got it....
Again, it's a risk, but if it's free or super cheap, and you are ok replacing it eventually, go for it....but know it's an issue that will need to be fixed...soon.

How soon....are we talking 5000miles, 50,000 miles. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

If the tip of the fingers break off, what happens, anyone see that?

Thanks
Jeff

Google images shows some of these with broken fingers, so it does happen. Worst case scenario you lose some or all of your ability to disengage the clutch. Then you get it home, pull the transmission with the engine still in place, and swap in a new pressure plate. If it were my personal car, I'd run it and plan on swapping it out in a year or so.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

[JStroud]

Got it....
Again, it's a risk, but if it's free or super cheap, and you are ok replacing it eventually, go for it....but know it's an issue that will need to be fixed...soon.

How soon....are we talking 5000miles, 50,000 miles. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

If the tip of the fingers break off, what happens, anyone see that?

Thanks
Jeff

Google images shows some of these with broken fingers, so it does happen. Worst case scenario you lose some or all of your ability to disengage the clutch. Then you get it home, pull the transmission with the engine still in place, and swap in a new pressure plate. If it were my personal car, I'd run it and plan on swapping it out in a year or so.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Thanks, appreciate the input, I guess I'll plan on using it so I can get my car back on the road. Then I'll just have to start saving up for a new one, maybe change it next winter......if it makes it that long (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) my throw out bearing is fairy new, so that may help....and no riding the clutch pedal.