Do I need a clutch alignment tool?

Installing a clutch with a clutch alignment tool is definitely preferred, and in some cases may be required. But for many installs, a little ingenuity is all you need to install your clutch without relying on tools you don’t need.

How do you align a clutch with a tool?

First, insert the tool into the clutch disc. Make sure the clutch is facing the correct direction. The tool should stick all the way through the spines on the disc. Then place the clutch on the flywheel, and engage the alignment tool into the pilot bushing or bearing in the center of the crankshaft.

What happens if clutch is not aligned?

If clutches have not been correctly aligned, they will start juddering or fail to disenga- ge immediately afterwards. The clutch should thus always be checked for correct alignment on the flywheel. Grease that contains no suspended particulates should be used for lubricating splines and release bearings/guide tubes.

Can you misalign a clutch?

Misalignment Clutch Coupling Misalignment causes premature wear that damages clutches, shafts, bearings. Another issue caused by misalignment is gearbox failure, which negatively impacts machine performance and decreases the operating life of your equipment.

Should a clutch plate spin freely?

Once you release the clamping force of the pressure plate, the clutch centre plate should rotate freely – if it does not then that will cause difficulties changing gear.

What tools do I need to change a clutch?

A clutch replacement can be completed at home using car stands to raise the vehicle and a trolley jack to remove the gearbox. A clutch alignment tool is highly recommended, otherwise you could spend a great deal of time attempting to line up the clutch plate and input shaft spline.

How do you know if your transmission is misaligned?

Signs of gearbox misalignment include damage to seals or couplings, decreased bearing life, gearbox vibration, and damage to the gears themselves.