Clutch adjusting tool

[Frank S]

The clutch of a semi tractor needs periodic adjusting there are generally 2 separate adjustments to the clutch.
the first is the simple linkage adjustment which is in many cases rarely needs to be adjusted after installation of new disks and pressure plates, once properly adjusted This adjustment establishes the proper travel of the foot peddle, the other and more important adjustment is located on the pressure plate, this adjustment not only establishes the proper travel of the foot peddle but in addition manages the balance between disengagement of the clutch and the engagement of the input shaft brake which slows the transmission input shaft to aid in the shifting of the gears. Or completely halts the input shaft to allow the transmission to be put in gear when first starting off from neutral.
For this adjustment depending on the make and model can require a special tool.
On many lighter duty and older design pressure plates this is done by removing a retaining bolt and a forked keeper then the adjusting ring inside of the pressure plate is rotated by a special tool bolted into the retaining bolt hole then used to advance the pressure ring.
On newer and heavier duty clutches another way of making this adjustment is to use a box end wrench to turn the adjusting bolt someone depresses the clutch then the mechanic makes the adjustment by turning the head of the bolt while adding force to depress the locking spring with the end of the wrench,
many times it takes a double offset wrench to have enough clearance to accomplish this
So what I did not having the proper size offset box end wrench was to weld a short 6 point socket to the box end of the wrench.
I could have just as well used a socket and a piece of flat stock in leu of the wrench but having both a socket and box end wrench which fit into the sacrificial category this was what I came up with

[DIYer]

Thanks Frank S! We've added your Clutch Adjustment Tool to our Transmission category,
as well as to your builder page: Frank S's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Clutch Adjustment Tool by Frank S

tags: clutch

[TrickieDickie]

My daddy use to drive them big trucks (Mack tractors). Nice work Frank and I have collected some Chinese tools too over the years.

[baja]

I have a similar tool, a socket welded to a flat bar handle that I made years ago and it pops up now and again but for the life of me, I don`t remember what I made it for.

[stillldoinit]

I have a whole bunch of special tools that it I don’t what they are for, but can’t bring myself to get rid of. Frank, your wrench/socket reminds me of a tool that is required to adjust the bands in a 1961 Ford Thunderbird through the floorboard on passenger side. Lock nut loosened by a tool like yours with a handle but the actual adjustment extended through the hollow tool and the other part of the tool inserted in the first and tighten the band while holding the lock not with the first. Was a 2 handed operation. What really sucked was I didn’t have the factory tool and mechanic would not loan and I could not afford to pay to get it done so I had to “cobble” to make it work. Funny how 50 years passes and think about simple stuff now but almost insurmountable then.