Hey guys,

I'm without a clutch alignment tool and I must replace mine tomorrow. Is it absolutely required?

Can you give me any tips for doing it without?

Thanks,

I used my finger as an alignment tool and it worked out okay...although I can't say I'd recommend it

Use an extension and a deep socket with a diameter close to the same width as the hole. :)

I was actually dreaming last night about using a socket with extension. I think that'll work just fine.

Thanks,

I was in one of those parts stores, autozone, advanced, you know and they had one hanging on the shelf. It was black plastic like the one that came with my ACT clutch kit. You may have luck there if you want to go that route. I think you will be fine with a socket though.

Brent

I've tried a clutch install w/o an alignment tool, and I would recommend buying one. They are only $6-7, and I think worth it. I swear by them, so much so that I just got an ACT w/o the alignment tool; and I called the distributor to complain (just got the tracking number a couple minutes ago).

3 clutch jobs w/ alignment tool = Easy

1 clutch job w/o alignment tool = Way too long to finish.

Josh

Originally posted by FastNX
I used my finger as an alignment tool and it worked out okay...although I can't say I'd recommend it

Hmm?

Originally posted by sernut
I was actually dreaming last night about using a socket with extension. I think that'll work just fine.

Thanks,

Starting to sound like a freaking porno or something. Just add some 70's bowchickabowbow music.

Get your mind's outta the gutter boys! You've got a clutch to install.

Hehehehe! :D

Hilarious!

For those of you that got an alignment tool at an auto parts store: Did you get a tool specific to the sr20, or is it a pretty standard thing? I was under the impression that they were a one size fits all kind of tool. But, when I called a few places to see if they had them in stock they all asked what kind of car I was using it for, and then told me they didn't have them for the sr20. Is this correct?

I read in the previous posts that you can use a socket as an alignment tool. I don't feel very confident with this method. Since this is my first time through the clutch replacement process, I want to do everything by the book with no guesswork.

I just finished mine using a socket with extension. It worked great. Make sure you have a second person to "eyeball" whether or not it is center. Remember, the other person will likely be on their back holding up the pressure plate.

When you have the pressure plate "sitting" on the dowels of the flywheel, you can still move the disk around freely. Have the second person move it around until it is centered behind the pressure plate. When it is, push a little on the pressure plate to keep it in place and start your bolts... It's really simple and I had no problems mating the tranny to the block.

Don't waste your time searching for the alignment tool.

Good luck!

Well, it seems an alignment tool is not really needed. I even called a Nissan garage and they told me they don't use them. He just kind of grunted when I asked about using a socket. Thanks for the advice sernut.

Since I just did my own clutch job, the images are still fresh in my head. If you need anything while you're working on yours, give me a call. I left my numbers in a PM to you.

Give yourself about 6 hours on a weekend and go at it. They are surprisingly easy if you're up for some grunt work.

Have you had a problem with starter squeal? If so, get the new starter from Courtesy. I love that people don't stare at me when I start my car now :)

if you ever plan on doin a clutch job again or a friend does they sell a metal tool and its universal comes with different size fittings for all cars

Hey reser91, where do they sell these universal ones? None of the regular auto parts stores had them.

man you dont need it, just use a 1/2" socket extention and eyeball it, didi it twice and it was fine

yeah when mine was done, i beleive it was a 12? or 13? mm deep socket, worked fine

I am super ghetto. I used a permanent marker, it was the same diameter and it worked perfectly.

You could have just asked me. I have one in my box.

You could have just asked me. I have one in my box.

He he! Yeah, I figured that you would. But I'm working on not being so dependent ony you. I don't want to be a thorn in your side :)

BTW, going to ASCC on Sunday? Euclid Square Mall again!