Unusual scoring on pressure plate?

[green beast]

Hi there, more a driveline than beddie question, but Ive always gottten a great response here.

Any help is very appreciated.


Nissan LD28 Engine, gearbox probably nissan - NCMA - LM. Originally cable operated clutch, whirring highish pitched noise unless put foot down on clutch (possible release bearing?) from when I bought van a year ago, gearbox had just been changed from auto to manual, not many miles done on this setup. Symptoms of clutch slip - engine increasing but no extra movement especially up hills. Also gearbox changes terrible - prob due to homemade linkages - gear stick moves around wider than a bus.

Changed cable operated clutch to hydraulic. Worked great, still not driven many miles though, also had timing done. After timing high pitched noise gone! More clutch slip. Took gear box n clutch out, rear main seal leaking release bearing very noisy and unusual wear on pressure plate - scoring on the splines? Clutch plate ok.

So... is it, pressure plate not tightened up enough? Too much pressure with new hydraulic clutch or some other problem?

Thanks for any help

[Postie Bob]

Could it be there`s zero clearance between thrust bearing & pressure plate ? .  Maybe even some pressure on the pressure plate . Does it seem to slip more once it`s warmed from a cold start?  Dunno where the timing fits in !!!
Now I`ve got a brain freeze.....
Cheers, Bob.

[BusyKiwi]

How is the small bearing in the end of the crank that the gearbox shaft fits into? 

[Postie Bob]

That bearing ( spigot ) might make a noise if the clutch is not fully releasing .
If the clutch is adjusted right that bearing is stationary when your foot`s of the peddle .

[BusyKiwi]

A lot of people also forget to put it in going from auto to manual

[green beast]

Thanks for replies.

I took the clutch setup into a clutch place, turns out the pressure plate was the incorrect one and reassuringly the new one bolts up more precisely to the flywheel, so with a new release bearing, Fingers crossed!