Pressure plate not new

[Oldsid]

I have bought a new Exedy Stage 2 clutch and I think the pressure plate that was sent to me has been used. There are clear marks of TOB on the pressure plate springs and the bolt area has scratches that can only be caused by tightened bolts. Can you please help confirm what I found? I bought the parts from a reputable vendor I have dealt with numerous times before and I was always satisfied. I will contact him once I get feed back.

 

[loco4G63]

I agree and maybe a returned but restocked part? My buddies 2g went through 2packs in a year from exedy due to complete failure and not abuse

 

[Oldsid]

The odd thing is that the pressure plate surface does not seem to have been used (or may be resurfaced!). I am very upset at the vendor for sending me a return part that had been installed and make me pay for a new one. I paid almost $150 just for shipping and customs and now I have to send it back!
Could this be the vendor's fault or actually a returned pressure plate that the manufacturer (Exedy) had send to the vendor?
I am also wandering what is the thickness of the clutch disk. This is supposed to be the thick one and it is 0.307`. I hope it is not the thin one that is for track only.

 

[bryanwheat]

It is possible that they bolt it to a machine to test the clamp force.

 

[99gst_racer]

I wouldn't worry about it as long as it appears to have never been ran. I can understand how you feel about it not being brand new in the package, but even it had been previousy mocked up, it really doesn't have any affect on you using it now. I personally wouldn't bother with returning it for that reason alone.

Just my .02.

 

[loco4G63]

If there is zero wear on the surface than its still new but on the other hand you should get what you worked hard to pay for. Your money should get you that much and that is piece of mind. I honestly would feel like you : )

 

[Oldsid]

It is possible that they bolt it to a machine to test the clamp force.

It may be possible if it was done by a shop but even that would not require using all the bolts and I would doubt that the manufacturer would need to bolt it to test the clamping force. Also, one or two tests would not leave TOB marks that are so obvious!
For me, it's a matter of principle and I am going to ask for some type of reparation. A used part is a used part and if that is what I wanted I would have bought it used at my own risk. If I am not able to get anything from the vendor, I will post my rating on the proper section of this forum.

 

[99gst_racer]

Also, that does not look like throw out bearing contact on the PP fingers. It just looks like the ends didn't get painted for something. It's hard to tell what it is from the pictures, but it definitely doesn't look like a bearing made it look that way.

 

[Oldsid]

Also, that does not look like throw out bearing contact on the PP fingers. It just looks like the ends didn't get painted for something. It's hard to tell what it is from the pictures, but it definitely doesn't look like a bearing made it look that way.

The center is not painted and that is normal. Look carefuly at the tip of the "fingers" and you see small darker spots which are not very visible in the picture. That's what I was refering to as TOB contact points. I will try to go to a parts shop and examine a new clutch pressure plate and see how it would compare to mine. I know it is not a very accurate way but it will, at least, give me a good idea if my pressure plate is new or not.

 

[99gst_racer]

which are not very visible in the picture.

Next time, hit the macro button for those up-close pics.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[Oldsid]

Unfortunately, my camera does not have a macro and that was the closest I can get with the zoom. The shiny surface does not help as it reflects the light from the flash.
I contacted the vendor and sent him pictures. He promised to take this to his supplier and get back to me as soon as he has something. I will wait few days and see what happens.