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Clutch alignment tool
chris68 - 26/5/15 at 07:09 PM

What do you guys use to centre/align the clutch on reassembly either on the bench or in situ? Looking for a tool or technique for use with standard single plate clutches.

There seems to be so many variants of the same idea around.

Cheers

omega0684 - 26/5/15 at 07:11 PM

Use an old gearbox input shaft

matt_claydon - 26/5/15 at 07:28 PM

I'm a cheapskate, so I've always just used the gearbox itself. Align clutch as best as you can by eye, nip the pressure plate bolts up so the clutch plate can just be moved with a little force, fit 'box to engine wiggling to align plate as necessary, separate, then do up pressure plate bolts fully. A bit harder if the box is still in the car, but it's always worked for me.

SCAR - 26/5/15 at 07:51 PM

Last one I did I made an alignment tool out of a bit of wood (old brush handle). Took just 15 min to shape it with a decent file and some rough sandpaper, worked perfect.

kj - 26/5/15 at 07:53 PM

Got one in the garage £10 delived UK, no good to me now BEC

40inches - 26/5/15 at 07:54 PM

I used this one link on the Jag clutch, worked perfectly.

austin man - 26/5/15 at 08:09 PM

old school me bit of dowel and tape or even an extension bar with insulation tape wrapped around it to the size of the crank open end and the clutch place centre never let me down

perksy - 26/5/15 at 08:54 PM

I've got a Draper one and it cost about £7
You can put the clutch together as an assembly on the bench and then fit it to the flywheel if you want.

benchmark51 - 26/5/15 at 10:06 PM

I've used allsorts of methods over the years, but currently use the draper one. Works well, prices vary but cheap enough.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/52329-Brand-New-Draper-Clutch-Mate-Universal-Alignment-Tool-/400295126312?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5d3372e528

pewe - 27/5/15 at 11:05 AM

quote:
Originally posted by benchmark51
I've used allsorts of methods over the years, but currently use the draper one. Works well, prices vary but cheap enough.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/52329-Brand-New-Draper-Clutch-Mate-Universal-Alignment-Tool-/400295126312?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5d3372e528


Second that - also available under other brand names.
Allows you to visually check the alignment of the pressure plate and friction disc before screwing it all up really tight, then offering it up to the flywheel.
If none of the inserts matches your exact requirement some masking tape wrapped around the split collar ensures a snug fit - just make sure it comes out when you release it after fitting!
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe10.

chris68 - 27/5/15 at 06:44 PM

Thanks all. Just a question using the Draper tool - having got the spring plate and friction plate all centred using this tool are you then able to locate it all on the flywheel with the spigot bearing in place?

David Jenkins - 27/5/15 at 07:00 PM

I couldn't get in with the Draper thing - in the end I turned one up on my lathe from a length of steel bar. It's still in my garage, in an oily bag!

David Jenkins - 27/5/15 at 07:00 PM

I couldn't get in with the Draper thing - in the end I turned one up on my lathe from a length of steel bar. It's still in my garage, in an oily bag!

perksy - 27/5/15 at 09:09 PM

quote:
Originally posted by chris68
Thanks all. Just a question using the Draper tool - having got the spring plate and friction plate all centred using this tool are you then able to locate it all on the flywheel with the spigot bearing in place?




Yes, the adaptor you choose fits into the centre of the clutch plate (There's a few adaptors in the kit)
You centre the clutch plate up with the pressure plate and fit the assembled clutch alignment tool, Tighten it up and it 'clamps' the pressure plate and clutch plate together.
You can then offer the assembled clutch kit up to the flywheel and bolt it in place.
Bolt it in place, release the pressure on the clutch alignment tool and Bob's your uncle....