Clutch alignment tool

[mrscalex]

Can anyone recommend a clutch alignment tool for a Z3 (2002 2.2 if it makes any difference)? I take it no Z3 models are fitted with the more complicated self-adjusting mechanism BMW introduced on some cars around that time?

I'm wondering about something cheap and cheerful like this.

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/universal-clutch-alignment-tool/

 

[NZ00Z3]

My 2000 2.0L Z3 has the self adjusting clutch as standard.

 

[mrscalex]

My 2000 2.0L Z3 has the self adjusting clutch as standard.

That's interesting to know. Would be a different tool to the cheap ones then.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Don't think it would require a different tool. The key measurements for the tool would still be the same as the pilot bearing, bell housing and g/box input shaft would all be standard.

 

[mrscalex]

I think the self-adjusting clutch has to be pre-tensioned. Hence it needs a different tool.

Not sure though. That's why I'm asking

 

[NZ00Z3]

The new pressure plate comes with its own spider to hold the plate and self adjusting springs in place. The spider is removed after the pressure plate is torqued onto the flywheel.

Most self adjusting clutch plates will be at the end of the self adjusting travel after 80 to 100,000 miles, so you don't need to worry too much about not having a spider if all you are doing is replacing the clutch plate.

Picture is of the wear indicator on the 2.0L Z3 with self adjusting clutch. 98,000 miles on the clock. Wear indicator say's that the self adjustment feature is at the end of its travel. The spider on a new pressure plate stops the self adjusting mechanism from running to the end of travel position with the pressure plate off the car. If this happens you need to get it reset by a Clutch specialist.

 

[mrscalex]

I'm doing an engine swap so I wanted to check the clutch while the gearbox was out. To be honest I wasn't going to replace the clutch unless it definitely needed it.

 

[mrscalex]

But you've got me thinking now as it's done 100k miles.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Check your Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) when you have it apart. Mine had >15 degrees of rotational slop and a few blue/black high spots, so it got replaced with another DMF. The clutch had been suffering from juddering on take off and hill starts. Really like the new DMF and clutch. Don't have a CDV.

There are cheaper single mass flywheel options, which I'm sure others on this forum have tried and can advise you about.

Picture shows some of the blue/black high spots on the DMF. These are caused by heat that hardens the metal and they end up higher than the rest of the flywheel surface, thus reducing friction.