If you purchase a clutch assembly kit, you might notice that it includes a strange little plastic or metal tool. This is a clutch alignment tool, and it’s very important to have on hand during a clutch repair. If you plan to give the assembly kit to your mechanic so they can do the repairs for you, make sure the clutch alignment tool is in there. It’ll make their job a lot easier.
A knowledgeable mechanic can line the pressure plate splines up well enough by snugging the plate and working the disk so that its splines are centered, but it’s quicker to use the alignment tool or the input shaft out of another transmission like the one in the vehicle if available.
What Does a Clutch Alignment Tool Do?
When installing a new clutch assembly, professional mechanics know that the splined hub of the pressure plate must be perfectly aligned with the pilot bearing in the end of the crankshaft for the transmission input shaft to slide through the splines with its machined tip entering the pilot bearing or bushing. If available, they will use an old input shaft or an alignment tool, which just about always comes with a new clutch.
Why Is Using a Clutch Alignment Tool Important?
There’s a reason most complete clutch kits come with a tool to align the clutch. Performing a clutch alignment without this tool is difficult. It’s the same reason you should buy a clutch alignment tool separately even if you’re only asking your mechanic to replace your vehicle’s clutch plate.
Pressure Plate Installation
The clutch disk is sandwiched between the pressure plate and the flywheel, so it has to be put in place (with the spring pack facing the pressure plate; it’ll be marked accordingly).
You put the clutch disk and pressure plate against the flywheel and start the bolts, but don’t tighten them yet.
If you’re using one of the plastic alignment tools that came with the clutch, you can even put the disk in place with the tool holding it there while you put the pressure plate (clutch cover) over it and snug the bolts.
Jiggle the alignment tool to make sure the clutch disk splines are perfectly centered, because they need to be when the transmission input shaft passes through the splines in the clutch disk and into the pilot bearing or bushing.
Purchasing the Right Clutch Alignment Tool
This shouldn’t be a problem if the tool came with the clutch replacement kit, but if it didn’t and your mechanic doesn’t have the right tool in their toolbox, you’ll need to buy the tool separately.
How To Use a Clutch Alignment Tool
When a professional mechanic uses a clutch alignment tool, you’ll notice that they’ll first ensure that the clutch is facing the right way.
Clutch Alignment Tool Alternatives
There are a few alternatives if your clutch assembly kit doesn’t come with a clutch alignment tool. Some experienced mechanics can eyeball it entirely and align the clutch without a tool.
Others might consider improvising and creating a tool with bits and bobs in their garage. New clutch alignment tools cost between $5 to $20, so it’s often more worth investing in a new tool rather than improvising without one.
Now you know what clutch alignment tools are and how mechanics use them. The next time you need your vehicle’s clutch replaced, you know to check if the clutch assembly kit you buy comes with a clutch alignment tool.
Where to Get a Clutch Alignment Tool for Your Vehicle
While makeshift clutch alignment tools may work well, nothing beats the actual tool. Thankfully, CarParts.com has an array of options with varying price points for you to choose from.
We’ll make sure your orders are delivered in no time. We ship from strategically located distribution centers across the US to ensure your order arrives in as fast as two business days.
Place your order on our website or call our toll-free hotline for further assistance. Our search filters also help narrow down the results to clutch alignment tools that match your preferred brand, price, and features.
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