What is a TOB?

[NVMYPWR]

I just bought $3600 in parts and mods for my car. I only have 2000 miles on it and now I'm worried I'm going to have a $40,000 paper weight pretty soon.

Where is a TOB and can I easily check to see if it's cracked or broken?

How do I know if I have a problem with it?

I do hear a small grinding sound...if I'm in first gear with the clutch still pressed in. I'm not sure if I should take it in for that or not.

 

[03snakerush]

throw out bearing-TOB

 

[cobrabruce]

The throw out bearing is located inside the bell housing. Shaped like a doughnut, it slides back and forth on the snout of the transmission. When the clutch pedal is depressed the TOB presses on the pressure plate release arms, disengaging the clutch. If it's cracked or broken you will not need to check anything, you will have an obvious problem when you use the clutch. Any way, I never heard of one cracking or breaking. When they go bad they usually start making a squealing or chirping noise which gradually gets worse and changes with the position of the clutch pedal.
Hope this helps.