background image

The hydraulic release bearing assembly is self-adjusting in that the bearing stays 
close to the clutch spring at all times, even though the spring changes position with 
clutch wear. There is no extra return spring that pulls the piston back all the way to 
the bottomed position. In this respect, the piston in the hydraulic bearing assembly 
works like the piston in a disc brake caliper, returning only as far as forced. This is 
why with a Tilton hydraulic release bearing assembly the clutch pedal feel does not 
change with clutch wear allowing the driver to make more consistent shifts.

The piston of this assembly has .700” of total stroke. Precision measurement of clear-
ances and the correct adjustment of the pedal stop are extremely important to the 
correct function of this unit. 

FREE PLAY AND HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

1. Disconnect and remove any existing meachanical clutch linakge, fork and bearing. 
2. Install the flywheel, clutch and bellhousing onto the engine. Tighten all com-

ponents in place following their respective manufacturer’s instructions. Do not 
install the transmission at this time. 

3. Using a pair of dial calipers or a depth micrometer, measure the distance from the 

transmission face of the bellhousing to the bearing contact point of the clutch 
spring. Record this distance as “Dimension A”. See Diagram 1. 

4. Subtract .125” from Dimension A. This should be the installed distance from the 

face of the release bearing to the face of the transmission (with the bearing and 
piston completely compressed into the hydraulic base). See “Dimension B” in 
Diagram 2. 

5. Install the supplied o-ring into the supplied threaded sleeve and push these onto 

the bearing retainer on the front of your transmission. A small amount of petro-
leum jelly may be used during assembly. The o-ring end of the sleeve should be 
towards the transmission. 

6. Thread the bearing onto the threaded sleeve until Dimension B is achieved. 
7. There is a small ear and slot machined into the hydraulic base.  The supplied stud 

fits through this slot to prevent rotation.  Once the correct height of the HRB has 
been determined, locate and remove the transmission bearing retain bolt closest 
to the ear.  The removed bolt will be replaced by the anti-rotation stud provided.  
Remove HRB and threaded sleeve from bearing retainer, being careful not to 
change HRB height adjustment on the threaded sleeve. Install anti-rotation stud 
through the slot on the hydraulic base and reinstall HRB and sleeve onto bearing 
retainer.  Using Loctite 272 (red) thread locking compound, install anti-rotation 
stud into hole that original retainer bolt was removed.  Torque to 16 lb-ft.  DO 
NOT OVERTIGHTEN.  

Note: 

If anti-rotation stud is too long and extends past face of release 

bearing, cut shorter to avoid any interference with clutch.  

8. The hydraulic lines supplied have been installed at the factory using the proper 

tooling and assembly lubricant. They are designed to rotate once while installed. 
There is no need to remove these prior to assembly. 

9. Double check that the bearing to clutch clearance is .125” (tol/-.025”). 

DRIVELINE ASSEMBLY

1. While installing the transmission, carefully route both lines through either the 

release fork window or holes that have been drilled to accommodate the lines.

2. Ensure that the lines do not interfere with the clutch or flywheel. A string may be 

used to help guide the lines around any obstacles during installation.

3. Once the transmission is seated, confirm that all parts of the release bearing clear 

the clutch and flywheel. Complete the driveline installation.

6000-Series Hydraulic Release Bearing

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

98

-111

0

B

A

Distance from Spring Fingers to Bellhousing Face

Diagram 1

Diagram 2

Installed Distance

Reviews: