Clutch adjustment engine end...

[His Dudeness]

Is it an old cable? Have you tried lubing it? If it's stiff it's probably jammed up with dirt or a few strands have frayed and are getting stuck. I'd try lubing it and work it back and forth and see if it frees up. If it doesn't then I'd replace the cable. The only reason you'd replace the clutch plates is if the cable is in good condition and adjusted properly but clutch is slipping