[rwt65]

Have read workshop manual and states I need clutch alignment tool?
I do not have one and am wondering is it possible to do this using something else or is there another way?
I have tried putting together without the tool and gearbox will just not meet up nicely.
Is there something else I am missing or do I just need the tool?
Cheers for any help
Richard T

[zukmeista]

You need either a tool or someone with a very experienced eye.

[royce]

look down the hole in teh middle of the pressure plate and you will see the hole in the middle of the clutch plate where the input shaft goes, look through that and you will see the hole in teh middle of the spigot bearing in the flyhweel, you need to move the clutch plate around until the spigot hole is dead center (or real close) to the clutch plate hole

loosen the bolts holding the pressure plate till you can slide the clutch plate around by pushing on teh edges with your fingers till its centered, easy way is to just look down it with one eye till its all in the middle, then do the bolts back up.

Some people seem to suck at this but I dont think its real hard, jsut take your time and make sure its right

[bazook]

the other way is to line the clutch up with the edge of the fly wheel surface if its a raised flywheel

Or make a jig from an old socket and a bolt
find a bolt that fits in the pilot bearing then find a socket that fits the clutch plate and weld the socket to the bolt together......

[BlueSuzy]

Or buy one for cheap to suit your application. Spline size, Spigot bearing size etc. My one has GM on it.. They are only moulded plastic

[rwt65]

Thanks for the info guys.
Have tried to line them up best I can with no joy and a bit of frustration thrown in, just need that experienced eye!
Have ordered a new clutch with the tool as part of the kit.
Was planning to put it back together until kit came as the car is a daily driver.
Another lession learnt.
Who said you cant teach old dogs new tricks.
Richard T

[buzbox]

I've done it by eye, I've only ever replaced 2 clutch's but you can buy clutch aligning tools from most good auto stores, and even some average auto stores for about $25.

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online ... escription

It's pretty much what Royce said but the main trick I found was to hand tighten the pressure plate, well tight enough that you can still move the clutch plate but doesn't drop down. Make sure it's centred and that the splines are lined up. Once your happy tighten up and fit the gear box.

[jonno_racing]

hey rich i can come down latter and do it..

sorry just woke up give me a call back.

[whincup]

zukmeista wrote:

You need either a tool or someone with a very experienced eye.

sorry mate but i completely disagree.. i'd never done a clutch, never removed a transmission, nothing like that, and i did it all by myself about a month ago without a clutch alignment tool. actually used a 13mm socket to align it, happened to have the perfect OD for the hole, tightened the bolts lightly, then adjusted it by feel before proper tightening, and it works perfectly.

all i did was a bit of reading here, then watched this youtube video. its not for a sierra, but it gives you a good idea... he rambles a lot, and a lot of what he shows isnt needed, but the alignment part is exactly what i did:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpE-RbZKw1c

[Lockie666]

I've used a cricket stump for a clutch aligning tool.

[whincup]

whatever works but yeah, the video shows all you need to know to align it... just find something thats solid and a tight fit...

Edit: ^^waiting for someone to say 'thats what she said'...