clutch plate problems

SIMPLE TROUBLESHOOTING OF CLUTCH AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS

driving your 4x4 or off-road vehicle, especially as a daily driver like me causes one to get used to different noises. Every gear will feel and respond differently and a "driver" of any manual transmission will be in-synch with the vehicle. Any new or different noises will seem alien and most will require a mechanic to address. 
pictures: www.driving-test-success.com, www.revscene.net

Problem	Caused By
Excessive clutch noise	The usual causes could be: Riding the clutch Too little pedal free-play Lack of bearing lubrication bad clutch shaft pilot bearing will squeal as the clutch is released to engage the gear or in the first 2" of pedal travel. Noise from the clutch linkage is  heard or felt as the pedal  moves completely up or down; lubrication is needed. Transmitted engine noises are a result of insufficient pedal free-play and can be changed by manipulating the clutch pedal.
Clutch slippage	from a standing start. an advanced test while the engine is runing, apply the brakes, shift into high gear and SLOWLY release the clutch pedal. A healthy clutch will stall the engine. If it slips it may be due to: A worn pressure plate or clutch plate Oil soaked clutch plate Insufficient pedal free-play Bad waste or slave cylinder Low fluid
Clutch drags or fails to release	The clutch disc and some transmission gears spin briefly after clutch disengagement.  Failure to release properly can be caused by: Too light transmission lubricant or low lubricant level Improperly adjusted clutch linkage Bad cylinder Low fluid Air in line
Low clutch life	Tied to a result of poor driving habits or heavy-duty use, Riding the clutch, pulling heavy loads, balancing the clutch instead of the brakes and rapid clutch engagement all contribute to low clutch life.
Transmission shifts hard	causes of hard shifting are: Improper lubricant viscosity or lubricant level Clutch linkage needs adjustment/ lubrication. speed not meet
Transmission leaks	Tlocation obtained by clean cloth under the transmission overnight. Lubricant level too high Cracks in the transmission case Loose or missing bolts Drain or fill plug loose or missing Vent hole plugged
Transmission noise excessive in gear	These  problems  require the services of a mechanic. Insufficient lubricant Worn gears (excessive end-play) Worn bearings Damaged synchronizers Chipped gear teeth
Transmission  noisy in Neutral	Neutral noises can be : Insufficient/ incorrect lubricant Worn reverse idler gear Worn bearings or gear teeth

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Original source : http://www.procarcare.com/includes/content/resourcecenter/encyclopedia/ch20/20TSclutch.HTML