Former Wheeler Dealers presenter Ant Anstead has suggested a plastic part for only a “few quid” could help repair vehicles.
A clutch alignment tool is a crucial item that can help vehicle owners and mechanics when installing a new clutch.
The tool ensures proper alignment when fitting the clutch by providing a stable guide for the disc to sit on.
This acts as a kind of centring mechanism to prevent serious misalignment issues during the repair.
Getting a clutch installation wrong can be a serious issue with major consequences likely.
A number of problems such as vibrations, shuddering, and difficulty changing gear could be a sign of a misalignment issue.
Loss of drive to the transmission is also a possibility under some circumstances in a major concern for road users.
Speaking on a former episode of Wheeler Dealers, Ant said: “When installing a clutch you want to make sure it’s perfectly aligned.
“To do it the right way you’re going to need one of these, This is a clutch alignment tool. It’s basically a bit of plastic that mimics the input shaft of the gearbox.
“Put that in, it lines up the clutch plate. Make sure it’s exactly in the centre.
“It can only be 1mm off from the engine and it won’t fit to the gearbox. And it’s only a few quid.”
NAPA Auto Parts stressed that clutch alignment tools will usually be provided in a complete clutch kit.
This could save motorists the hassle of having to secure a separate tool before starting their vital repair work.
NAPA stressed the tool was crucial for those tinkering with clutches with a “disc slip” a major worry.
They said: “Installing a new clutch is an exercise in frustration, mainly because you have to manhandle a giant transmission underneath your car.
“The last thing you want to do is have to start all over because the clutch disc slipped out of alignment and won’t engage with the input shaft.
“Save yourself some time and effort and use a clutch alignment tool to make sure this does not happen to you.”
