[jr_ss]

Have you changed the fluid in your trans? If so what kind of fluid did you use? Amsoil has some good GL4 fluid along with Redline. Be sure to use GL4 only fluid as GL5 is toxic to the yellow metals in the trans.

That's called the throw out bearing sleeve. The groove is for your clutch pivot clip, which clips in and rides on the ears. I highly doubt this is your problem. Drain your fluid and see what the magnetic plug looks like. If it looks anything like a sea urchin, put some new fluid in.