Clutch Pressure Plate
Pressure plates must be carefully inspected before re-use. An initial inspection of the pressure plate, clutch disc, and flywheel can usually be done through an inspection cover. To inspect the plates surface the engine and transmission will have to be separated.
Remove the pressure plate bolts a few turns at a time and in a criss-cross pattern. If the bolts are removed one at a time the pressure plate is likely to warp. Inspect the pressure plate for warping and hot spots.
Hot spots are those dark blue discolored patterns caused by excessive heat. These spots are often caused by clutch slippage and usually the slippage is caused by a worn clutch disc. The surface of the pressure plate may become warped and can be checked using a straight edge and a feeler gauge.
Inspect the plates surface for cracks, scoring, and clutch chatter marks that will leave dark and then light spots around the plates surface. This can be the result of worn disc or incorrect free-play adjustments. Free play is the distance between the release bearing and the pressure plate fingers. Anytime the clutch slips it is creating heat and heat damages the pressure plates surface.
Excessive wear on the diaphragms fingers can be caused by a defective or worn release bearing. These fingers fan out as the disc wears reducing the free play and riding on the release bearing. For constant running release bearings refer to the manufacturers manual for specifications.
Any defects on this surface can not be removed like its counterpart the flywheel. The flywheel is removed from the vehicle and resurfaced if with in specifications. Disassembling and resurfacing the pressure plate may be hazardous due to intense spring pressure and should be left to the machine shop.
