Hydraulic Release Bearing for the 914 Transmission, Push type clutches only Options

[tomeric914]

Been kicking around the idea of using a hydraulic release bearing (HRB) instead of a slave cylinder, stock fork and stock release bearing. You could argue that this route is more expensive, but it isn't that much more than a stock throwout bearing. Most modern stickshifts use a HRB. They're simpler, cut out a bunch of moving parts and generally give better feel.

Goal is for the adapter to bolt in with no modifications to the trans or bellhousing other than to remove the two 6mm studs that hold on the throwout bearing guide tube.

One fitting runs through one of the two inspection holes at the top for a bleeder fitting. The other will be a stainless braided line out the fork hole with a little bracket to hold it in place.

You'll also need to install a clutch master cylinder of your choosing up front.

If this interests you, I'll probably make a bunch of adapters and offer them up here. Let me know what you think. Could also be in kit form with everything needed. For now, here's a teaser shot of the mock-up.

[tomeric914]

More progress today. The fancy line bracket that I designed didn't quite work out as well as I thought so I went for a simpler approach although millimeters mattered to get the fittings in the right spot.

That makes it easier to access and route the line back to the clutch master cylinder. It also makes for safer routing of the lines inside the bellhousing to the HRB.

I know what you're thinking. Yes, the bleed line makes a loop up high that could possibly trap air. Reality is that there would be a loop at the top no matter what. When bleeding, I need to make sure the bleeder bottle is held up high to keep from draining that column of fluid.

My other OCD concern is "which fitting connection inside the bellhousing is going to leak?" (IMG:style_emoticons/default/barf.gif)

Transmission is back in and everything looks clear inside the bellhousing. I did design a .060" spacer for the engine and transmission which gives the recommended clearance for clutch operation and wear over time.