Hats off to Poodles or grinding noise when clutch pedal is pressed

[KMinAF]

Thrust bearing diagnosis:

1. Have someone press the clutch pedal while you watch for movement. If no movement seen, don't give up, go to step two.
2. Look for rub marks on the backside of the crank pulley. Yes?
3. Use large pry bar to move the crank fore and aft. Movement?
4. Remove engine and pull off oil pan.

Why does a thrust bearing fail?

Too stiff of a pressure plate? Mine is a SPEC stage III
Improper clearance when engine was assembled? .015"?
Poor quality parts?

I am open to suggestions or your experience with this type of failure

 

[gaboonviper85]

when you stop for a redlight do you hold the clutch down...I'm guessing so?

Yes the pressure plate is too stiff

 

[GrimJack]

Spec stage III PP is a stock unit with blue paint.

Usually, this is caused by starting the engine with the clutch depressed while using a harder than stock PP. I don't think this is the case for you, however.

 

[drbowser3]

Recent auto to 5-speed swap? One of the shop cars was fine till we put in a 5-speed. And with a stock pressure plate they went bad in a hurry. Not 100% sure on the swap being the cause but the timing was right for it.