The clutch is a crucial part of the vehicle that links the engine and the transmission. It transmits the power generated by the engine to the gearbox and can affect the transmission when you select a gear to move the car from the stationary position or change gears while driving.
Without a properly functioning clutch, your car would not move ahead. If you are a good driver and maintain your vehicle well, the clutch should last you for at least 60,000 kilometers. However, aggressive driving or frequent downshifting when driving through heavy, slow-moving traffic can take its toll on the clutch and cause it to wear down sooner.
You will notice the clutch has worn out and needs replacement when the clutch slips, the clutch plates do not get enough traction, and the car fails to gain speed even with increased engine RPM. Other signs of clutch problems are a shuddering vehicle, grinding noises, and hard gear shifts. You can replace or adjust the clutch using clutch adjustment tools. These tools generally come with a clutch kit, but you can also buy them separately.
What is a clutch adjustment tool?
A clutch adjustment tool is useful for manually installing a new clutch or adjusting an existing one. It can be a difficult task since it involves working on the transmission under the car. If you fail to align the clutch disc properly, you may have to spend more time making adjustments beneath the car. With the proper clutch adjustment tools, you can save a lot of time and effort.
How to use a clutch adjustment tool?
Clutch adjustment tools are simple tools, generally made of precision molded nylon, plastic, or steel. Before using them, you need to make sure you have the right ones. The splines of the clutch adjustment tools should match the splines on the input shaft. If they do not line up, the tool cannot fully engage and fit the pilot bearing/bushing, and the clutch adjustment will not work. You should also read the manufacturer’s manual and follow their instructions.
To begin with, it may help to understand the basics of the clutch. In a manual transmission, the input shaft connects the clutch disc to the engine’s rotating assembly. The clutch disc has two sides, and one side is marked to fit facing the flywheel. It is a metal disc that looks like a gear and lies between the clutch and the transmission. You will need to bolt the flywheel to the crank at the engine’s back. There is a recess inside the crank for the bearing, and the clutch adjustment tool’s tip will lock into this to keep the clutch in place.
You can use the clutch adjustment tool in the following ways:
• First, make sure the clutch disc is facing the right direction. That is, the side with the flywheel markings should face the flywheel.
• Next, insert the clutch adjustment tool into it through the disc splines.
• Place the clutch on the flywheel and insert the tip of the clutch adjustment tool into the bearing in the crankshaft’s center.
• Push the clutch to fit firmly against the flywheel.
• Move about the clutch adjustment tool to make sure it is well in place in the bearing.
• Place the pressure plate over the flywheel and bolt it into place.
• Tighten each bolt in a crisscross pattern. First by hand, then by half torque, and lastly by full torque.
• After tightening the bolts in these three steps, you can close the gap between the flywheel and the pressure plate.
• Let the clutch adjustment tool remain in the clutch until it is time to install the transmission.
• Then you can slide out the clutch adjustment tool and fix the transmission.
As you see, using clutch adjustment tools is not difficult. However, as already mentioned, you need to use the right tools. Many of these tools come with markings on the top to let you know which spline clutches they can fit. If you are still unsure about using a clutch adjustment tool or are doubtful of adjusting the clutch on your own, it is advisable to get professional assistance.