How to line up the Clutch Disc when replacing the trans?

[KCinSB]

Looking ahead to the reassembly, which I hope comes soon.  What method is best to line up the clutch disc with the crank center when bolting the clutch assembley back together?  I can imagine any small misalignment will stop the trans shaft spline from mating to the disc, and stop the job in mid air. I am sure BMW has a special tool for that purpose, but I sure do not!   

[RobP]

Yep, it's called a clutch alignment tool, or a clutch centering tool.  Basically, it's a pin with a machined profile to match the input shaft.   I bought one on ebay for a decent price.  Search for 'k1100 clutch centering tool' and one will appear.  I have no affiliation with the seller.

You might also consider some transmission alignment pins, also available from the same seller.  I found these to be very useful when I did a spline lube, even though I did not have the clutch apart. Horsing the trans around and getting it to line up, even with an aligned clutch, can still be an effort.

[Scott_]

While you still have the transmission out, use the clutch push rod(or a Phillips screwdriver) with a 1/4" drive socket with an O.D. to fit the friction disk spline opening.
It's kind of a red-neck approach, but hey, it will get you very close in the ballpark with out buying a tool.

[KCinSB]

Thanks, I was hoping to find a way to build up something that will work. The local independent MC shop here, which BTW has 3 K bikes in the process of serious work, did show me their home made alignment tool.  A piece of hardwood turned to fit the spline, with a metal pin in the end to fit the diaphram spring.  Seems like that spring might not be a perfect reference point.  I was wondering what the holes in the pressure plate thin "links" were for. I bet thats where the official tool mounts, with a shaft in the center to fit the disc.  I'll figure something out.

[rbm]

dimensioned drawing of the tool:

[KCinSB]

Thanks!   Not sure if I can whip one up, but it's amazing you could pull that drawing up so quick!  I may have to see if the local machine shop will do this at a reasonable cost. It certainly would make the job easier!

[F14CRAZY]

Personally I just eyeball-it, then when putting the trans on push it until it gets stuck then depress the clutch release lever which will make the disc line up

[Motorhobo]

I had unexpected trouble with a transmission reinstall recently -- this might help you avoid that.

http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,7086.msg48744.html#msg48744

[Scott_]

I was wondering what the holes in the pressure plate thin "links" were for. I bet thats where the official tool mounts, with a shaft in the center to fit the disc.

The picture that RBM posted is the official BMW tool.........
There are some 'centering tools' available on the internet for sale, but not all of them are made with correct tolerances. BTDT I got one and still had to turn down the 6mm nose end as it wasn't 6mm as required.

[Motorhobo]

The one sold by a guy named Kenneth Lively is supposed to be machined to the spec posted by rbm. He also sells a replica of the BMW valve adjustment tool, which I've used. Google him if interested, I got both pretty cheap.

[KCinSB]

Bought one off the FleaBay today, After spending $700 on parts, what's another $25 ?  Anxious to get the parts and get to the reassembly, before I forget too much!

[Photog]

The one sold by a guy named Kenneth Lively is supposed to be machined to the spec posted by rbm. He also sells a replica of the BMW valve adjustment tool, which I've used. Google him if interested, I got both pretty cheap.

I have both as well, great tools, and he ships them out very fast. His email is polepenhollow@yahoo.com