Any special tools needed for clutch replacement ?

[ExTex]

Are any special tools (sockets, holders) needed when replacing the clutch plates ?
I plan to use an impact wrench to remove the large lock nut.

I wish there was a sticky on clutch replacement.

Thanks.

[bk94si]

no pictures but:

https://www.hawkgtforum.com/forum/honda-hawk-gt-bros-discussions/mechanical-and-technical/how-to-s/4990-clutch-replacement-made-easy-with-pics

[ParcNHawk]

Don't even think of using anything to hold the clutch basket by the 4 posts in the center.

[bk94si]

Don't even think of using anything to hold the clutch basket by the 4 posts in the center.

Really? I did it that way without any problems.

[ExTex]

Thanks for the link to the Clutch replacement sticky. I searched and I also looked at the sticky index but didn't see this one.

Thanks a lot. I may be willing to try the repair. The original photos would have been useful. The other photos didn't work for me.

Thanks for the help.

[Forcerouge]

I made this "special tool" using a bit of wood with a few holes in it. It worked well and was very easy to build:

IMG_20221020_184843.jpg

[6]

Really? I did it that way without any problems.

I've done it without issues as well. I've also broken baskets doing it.


Best to hold it by wedging a rag in the gear.

[Maritime]

I've done it without issues as well. I've also broken baskets doing it.


Best to hold it by wedging a rag in the gear.

I've used copped pennies for that too.

[DrPMC]

My preferred way to lock up the clutch to undo the centre nut is to remove the alu pressure plate but then replace the tensioner bolts, each with a suitable thick washer. When they’ve been tightened down and the springs compressed it usually holds the centre so that the nut can be easily undone. One other advantage of this method is that it keeps the clutch together as a unit - if you don’t need to work on it you can just put the assembly to one side and then later put it back on as one piece.

I’d also use a piece of brass or a similar to lock the outer clutch body to the crank pinion.

[bk94si]

I've done it without issues as well. I've also broken baskets doing it.


Best to hold it by wedging a rag in the gear.

I think I misunderstood the comment. I used a rag.

I thought he was referring to this part:

7. with the springs in place, put a washer under each of the 4 bolts, and
GENTLY
snug them back down. (the washers now take the place of the pressure
plate)

[Forcerouge]

I'm not sure to understand how a rag on the outer basket would prevent the clutch center to rotate when tightening the nut. The whole point of the clutch is for these two pieces to be independant from each other.
When I tried to tighten the nut the whole clutch would just slip, the center would rotate and I couldn't tight anything.
That's why I had to build this tool, otherwise I'd just use a rag just like I did to remove the crank gear and flywheel screw.

Not sure how this worked for you guys but my guess is that you changed the clutch while having the engine in the frame and you had it in high gear. This way the torque goes through the transmission up to the wheel and it might provide enough resistance to tighten the nut without having the clutch center rotating?
In my case I did it with the engine out and this was the only solution that worked.

[Forcerouge]

Don't even think of using anything to hold the clutch basket by the 4 posts in the center.

It is the method recommended by Honda though, they use this tool that bolts directly on the 4 posts:
7-5-img01.jpg (524×334) - Google Chrome.jpg

But I agree this isn't a great method, I was afraid to break these posts when tightening the nut too.
Now I think locking the transmission output is probably better.

[bk94si]

The rag goes in the gears and locks up the rotation.

[Talon]

The rag goes in the gears and locks up the rotation.

Yep, works like a charm. 6mm washers to take the place of the lifter plate, a rag stuffed in the gears, and the center nut comes off and goes back on easily.

[Forcerouge]

6mm washers to take the place of the lifter plate

Now that makes more sense, I think this is the key piece of information that was missing from the explanation.
Without this the center just turns and the rags won't prevent it from doing so.