Hydraulic clutch release bearing for T50 gearbox

[jimmy19650]

In place of the conventional external slave cylinder and fork used to disengage the clutch on a tradition T50 gearbox, I have made a hydraulic unit using a SAAB/ Tilton hydraulic unit

I saw this done before on some clubman forums, but couldn't get any details, so I made my own. The pictures are of the prototype which I made to test dimensions first. The intention is to later make a similar unit for the W5x series boxes which I have in a few of my cars also




Standard T50 gearbox output nose on left replaced with hydraulic unit with bearing on right




The hydralic release bearing I used. You can see the hydraulic hose connections. One is an air bleed.



Gearbox side. Left is the hydraulic clutch release, right is the standard cast iron unit




Gearbox side. Oil seal fits into recess in centre




Clutch side. The Hydraulic release bearing fits here.







Comparison of modified and standard on right




Hydraulic release bearing fitted to gearbox

[slide86]

wow good job mate. this is the same as the ls1, ls2 with T56 gearbox setup in all post 2000 model commodores. i have had ALOT of experience replacing clutches in those, so im familiar with these slaves.

have you driven this particular setup yet? any notice in the difference of the pedal? ie take up point? what master cylinder did you use (is the stock item ok?)

Did you mill the adaptor plate yourself?

[jimmy19650]

As I said in the post, this is the prototype, which I am using to get distances correct first, thats why the machining is a bit rough. I set up the CNC quickly and did it dry hence the rough machining. The prototype will probably never be used. All the tolerances seem to be spot on at the moment, with the exception of the thickness which I am still fiddling with. Yes, I machined this from some scrap I found in the workshop. Not sure exactly what alloy it was. If you look closely, you will notice that the billet was actually about 5mm too narrow. The hydraulic unit is actually from a SAAB, which is almost identical to the Tilton ones I have used in the past. Will have to look at the commodore units you mentioned as these may be a cheaper option, or more suited to the W5x series boxes.

My intention was to get the T50 unit working then make one for the W5x series, which is what I really want. The hydraulic unit I am using at the moment is too small for the W5x box.

[Sam-Q]

nice work, I was also going to play with using the ford mondeo unit.

[jimmy19650]

Sam-Q, do you have pics for the commondore and mondeo release bearing assembly? Just checked the Commodore and mondeo bearings. the commodore seems horribly expensive, while the mondeo one looks reasonably priced. Do you have inside diameters of both bearings as I need a bigger inside diameter for the W5x series input shafts compared to the T50s.

[Sam-Q]

no I don't however I do happen to know exactly where it is in my garage so I will snap some photos for you.

[fantapants]

there is also a setup called "howes" i think

much simpler to set up, and VERY adaptable across all sorts of gearboxs. hence its very popular with hotrod guys...

ill try and hunt down the links i found....

[jimmy19650]

Thanks fantapants, did a search and you are right, they do sell something similar. They are called Howe racing, or something similar. Looks to be a simpler setup, and the price is very good, especially with our dollar.

[fantapants]

thats the one.... and the mounting design is really simple.

not to take away anything from your work, but if it saves you or someone else a couple hours on the mill

[johl]

i never even knew these exhisted. really tempting for my w box considering i dont have the clutch fork or bearing or anything so i'd be up for $200 for those parts anyway.