Do i really need a clutch alignment tool to change out my clutch? What does it do really?

thanks, ut

 

well I would think so
it's basically a little plastic tool that is the exact shape as the spline from the transmission.... you pop it through the clutch and into the pilot bearing in the e-shaft... then you pop the pressure plate on and tighten it down.. once tightened you can remove the plastic tool and it will align with your tranny for easy installation..

has anyone ever done it without the exact tool ?

usually the tool comes with any clutch kit.. but you can get it for a couple bucks I think from mazdatrix...
I have 2 lying around somewhere hehe

 

Yep, I did it once, just aligning it by eye. It looked perfect. It wasn’t...

A mate of mine uses one that’s made from an actual input shaft!

 

I've done it by eye, very successfully too! But seeing as how the little plastic tool can be had at PEPBOYS for five buck and takes less second guessing and readjusting for the second guessing.....buy the darn thing!

 

advanced auto has them for 2 bucks, well worthit. do not, i repeat do not do it by eye.

 

Agreed. Don't do it by eye. If the bell housing was not part of the trans, you could easily adjust the disc, if it weren't perfectly aligned, just by pushing on the clutch pedal and the trans would slide right in. Done that many times. That is now impossible with bell housing part of the trans.

 

.......for the love of god use the tool.... i speak from many experiences..... damn hondas

 

Yeah, buy the tool. Much easier. Less than five buck involved. Just bragging earlier. Can be done if you've been around the block a few times, so to speak. humor