{"id":116537,"date":"2024-08-16T04:33:24","date_gmt":"2024-08-16T11:33:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=116537"},"modified":"2024-12-17T21:55:58","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T05:55:58","slug":"what-is-a-clutch-alignment-tool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-a-clutch-alignment-tool\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Clutch Alignment Tool?"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column116537_7bfb48-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column116537_7bfb48-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column116537_7bfb48-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column116537_7bfb48-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column116537_7bfb48-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column116537_7bfb48-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column116537_7bfb48-75{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column116537_7bfb48-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column116537_7bfb48-75 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column116537_7bfb48-75 inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-1a2d9e  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-127593\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading116537_010041-a5, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading116537_010041-a5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading116537_010041-a5\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading116537_010041-a5 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading116537_010041-a5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading116537_010041-a5\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading116537_010041-a5 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading116537_010041-a5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading116537_010041-a5\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading116537_010041-a5 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading116537_010041-a5\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When installing a new clutch assembly, professional mechanics use the clutch alignment tool to align the clutch disc to the pressure plate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Performing a clutch alignment without this tool can be done but it&rsquo;s tricky.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New clutch assembly tools cost between $5 to $20, so it&rsquo;s often more worth investing in a new tool rather than improvising without one.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>That being said, most kits come with a plastic alignment tool.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>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&rsquo;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&rsquo;ll make their job a lot easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&rsquo;s quicker to use the alignment tool or the input shaft out of another transmission like the one in the vehicle if available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does a Clutch Alignment Tool Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/splines-on-the-clutch-disk-have-to-be-perfectly-aligned-with-the-pilot-bearing-1024x473.jpg\" alt=\"splines on the clutch disk have to be perfectly aligned with the pilot bearing\" class=\"wp-image-118572\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/splines-on-the-clutch-disk-have-to-be-perfectly-aligned-with-the-pilot-bearing-1024x473.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/splines-on-the-clutch-disk-have-to-be-perfectly-aligned-with-the-pilot-bearing-300x139.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/splines-on-the-clutch-disk-have-to-be-perfectly-aligned-with-the-pilot-bearing-768x355.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/splines-on-the-clutch-disk-have-to-be-perfectly-aligned-with-the-pilot-bearing-150x69.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/splines-on-the-clutch-disk-have-to-be-perfectly-aligned-with-the-pilot-bearing.jpg 1514w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Before the pressure plate is bolted to the flywheel, the splines on the clutch disk have to be perfectly aligned with the pilot bearing. If badly out of line, the transmission can&rsquo;t be installed. If only slightly out of line, the clutch disk may be bent, which will cause it not to fully release, resulting in gear clash. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Is Using a Clutch Alignment Tool Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There&rsquo;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&rsquo;s the same reason you should buy a clutch alignment tool separately even if you&rsquo;re only asking your mechanic to replace your vehicle&rsquo;s clutch plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pressure Plate Installation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The clutch disk is sandwiched between the pressure plate and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/flywheel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"flywheel\">flywheel<\/a>, so it has to be put in place (with the spring pack facing the pressure plate; it&rsquo;ll be marked accordingly).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You put the clutch disk and pressure plate against the flywheel and start the bolts, but don&rsquo;t tighten them yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Purchasing the Right Clutch Alignment Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This shouldn&rsquo;t be a problem if the tool came with the clutch replacement kit, but if it didn&rsquo;t and your mechanic doesn&rsquo;t have the right tool in their toolbox, you&rsquo;ll need to buy the tool separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"632\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/universal-clutch-alignment-tools-1024x632.jpg\" alt=\"universal clutch alignment tools\" class=\"wp-image-118571\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/universal-clutch-alignment-tools-1024x632.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/universal-clutch-alignment-tools-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/universal-clutch-alignment-tools-768x474.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/universal-clutch-alignment-tools-150x93.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/universal-clutch-alignment-tools.jpg 1078w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">There are universal clutch alignment tools (see photo), but the plastic one usually costs around $10. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Use a Clutch Alignment Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When a professional mechanic uses a clutch alignment tool, you&rsquo;ll notice that they&rsquo;ll first ensure that the clutch is facing the right way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"393\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/clutch-installed-with-the-spring-pack-facing-the-flywheel-bolts-can-cause-engagement-issues-1024x393.jpg\" alt=\"clutch installed with the spring pack facing the flywheel bolts can cause engagement issues\" class=\"wp-image-118570\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/clutch-installed-with-the-spring-pack-facing-the-flywheel-bolts-can-cause-engagement-issues-1024x393.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/clutch-installed-with-the-spring-pack-facing-the-flywheel-bolts-can-cause-engagement-issues-300x115.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/clutch-installed-with-the-spring-pack-facing-the-flywheel-bolts-can-cause-engagement-issues-768x295.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/clutch-installed-with-the-spring-pack-facing-the-flywheel-bolts-can-cause-engagement-issues-150x58.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/clutch-installed-with-the-spring-pack-facing-the-flywheel-bolts-can-cause-engagement-issues.jpg 1236w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If the clutch is installed with the spring pack facing the flywheel bolts, the springs will contact the bolts and cause engagement issues when putting the transmission in gear. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"757\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/keeping-the-clutch-disc-spline-centered-in-relation-to-the-pilot-bushing-or-bearing-1024x757.png\" alt=\"keeping the clutch disc spline centered in relation to the pilot bushing or bearing\" class=\"wp-image-118569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/keeping-the-clutch-disc-spline-centered-in-relation-to-the-pilot-bushing-or-bearing-1024x757.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/keeping-the-clutch-disc-spline-centered-in-relation-to-the-pilot-bushing-or-bearing-300x222.png 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/keeping-the-clutch-disc-spline-centered-in-relation-to-the-pilot-bushing-or-bearing-768x568.png 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/keeping-the-clutch-disc-spline-centered-in-relation-to-the-pilot-bushing-or-bearing-150x111.png 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/keeping-the-clutch-disc-spline-centered-in-relation-to-the-pilot-bushing-or-bearing.png 1522w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A mechanic will then insert the tool into the clutch disc all the way through the disc&rsquo;s spines and into the pilot bearing or bushing to keep the clutch disc spline centered in relation to the pilot bushing or bearing. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clutch Alignment Tool Alternatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few alternatives if your clutch assembly kit doesn&rsquo;t come with a clutch alignment tool. Some experienced mechanics can eyeball it entirely and align the clutch without a tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&rsquo;s often more worth investing in a new tool rather than improvising without one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you know what clutch alignment tools are and how mechanics use them. The next time you need your vehicle&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/clutch-replacement-bad-clutch-symptoms-costs-and-faqs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"clutch replaced\">clutch replaced<\/a>, you know to check if the clutch assembly kit you buy comes with a clutch alignment tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Get a Clutch Alignment Tool for Your Vehicle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While makeshift <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/clutch-alignment-tool\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"clutch alignment tools\">clutch alignment tools<\/a> may work well, nothing beats the actual tool. Thankfully, <a href=\"http:\/\/carparts.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"CarParts.com\">CarParts.com<\/a> has an array of options with varying price points for you to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We&rsquo;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out our catalog and shop now!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>If you purchase a clutch assembly kit, you might notice that it includes a strange little plastic or metal tool&#8230;. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-a-clutch-alignment-tool\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":116657,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,3748],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-116537","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-diy","8":"category-transmission","9":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is a Clutch Alignment Tool? - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The clutch alignment tool is a handy piece of equipment that comes with most new clutch assemblies. But what does this tool do exactly?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-a-clutch-alignment-tool\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is a Clutch Alignment Tool? - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The clutch alignment tool is a handy piece of equipment that comes with most new clutch assemblies. But what does this tool do exactly?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-a-clutch-alignment-tool\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-08-16T11:33:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-12-18T05:55:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/clutch-alignment-tool.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"1 minute\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-a-clutch-alignment-tool\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-a-clutch-alignment-tool\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"4\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. 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