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Has anyone used a universal clutch alignment tool where you align the clutch out of the car and then bolt it in?

Not sure what you mean.

There is an alignment tool (a sort of plastic stick thing) that you poke in where the transmission input shaft would go into the clutch disc i.e. the hole in the centre. The tool needs to match your car. However, I have seen makeshift versions made out of wooden dowel.

The idea of it is to keep the clutch disc centred with the pressure plate and flywheel as you bolt the pressure plate to the flywheel.

I haven't used one of the universal types. I bought one like the type in JBT's post for less than $10. If you were in Brisbane you could use mine. Why not buy one and them make it available to forum and club members for dodgy days? That's what I did.

Andrew.

You can align it pretty easily without an alignment tool. Just make sure the outside of the clutch disc sits flush with the clutch plate and tighten... Easy...

Moggy wrote:You can align it pretty easily without an alignment tool. Just make sure the outside of the clutch disc sits flush with the clutch plate and tighten... Easy...

Agreed

Don't stuff it up though or you could damage the clutch plate or input shaft.

The tool I bought lets you assemble the clutch out of the car, then you put the clutch on the car and release the tool. You align it as Moggy says by making sure the edges are flush and then tighening the tool, I've put the clutch in but the cars just on ramps so its hard to get an accurate line of sight., if its slightly off the gearbox won't mate properly though will it?

mossy wrote:if its slightly off the gearbox won't mate properly though will it?

Depends how far off centre. Refer to my previous reply.

The gearbox input shaft (rigid & splined) needs to be able to pass through the clutch plate (also rigid and splined) and into the pilot bearing ( firmly attached to rear of engine). If you have to force the transmission shaft in, various components could be damaged.