1955-57 Hydraulic Clutch Update

Eckler's Classic Chevy first introduced the hydraulic clutch system for the Tri-Fives in the October 2006 Classic Chevy World magazine. At that time, the hydraulic release bearing available was more or less a universal style bearing that would fit various transmissions. The manufacturer has now developed a new release bearing that is custom fit to each type of transmission. It is both a hydraulic release bearing and front bearing retainer, so it will replace the stock front bearing retainer completely.

Parts List

• 57-173485-1 1955-57 Hydraulic Clutch System With Muncie 4-Speed Jerico Transmission
• 08-501 Saginaw 4-speed Hydraulic Clutch Kit
• 57-173487-1 1955-57 Hydraulic Clutch System With T10 4-Speed Richmond 5 6-Speed Transmissions
• 57-173488-1 1955-57 Hydraulic Clutch System With T5 5-Speed Transmissions
• 57-177349-1 1955-57 Hydraulic Clutch System With Tremec 5 6-Speed Transmission
• 57-173474-1 1955-72 Hydraulic Clutch Release Bearing For Use With Remote Master Cylinder Muncie 4-Speed Transmission
• 08-101 Saginaw Hydraulic Release Bearing
• 57-173476-1 1955-72 Hydraulic Clutch Release Bearing For Use With Remote Master Cylinder T-10 Richmond Transmissions
• 57-173477-1 1955-72 Hydraulic Clutch Release Bearing For Use With Remote Master Cylinder T5 Transmissions
• 57-177348-1 1955-72 Hydraulic Clutch Release Bearing For Use With Remote Master Cylinder Tremec 5 6-Speed Transmission

Tools Needed:

• 5/16" Allen Socket
• 9/16" Sockets and Ratchet
• Torque Wrench
• Silicone

Time Frame: 4 Hours

Image 1: The old universal style release bearing fit onto the stock front bearing retainer. It used an adjustable collar that screwed into the bearing. This collar was used for setting the bearing to clearance.

Image 2: The original front bearing retainer is bolted to the front of the transmission. A Muncie transmission uses 4, 3/8" bolts; other transmissions may have five or six bolts.

Image 3: To remove the bearing retainer, first bend the tabs back on the bolt retaining and remove the four bolts. Using a mallet, tap on the neck of the retainer and the retainer will break free from the transmission.

Image 4: The release bearing P/N 08-100 for a Muncie is machined to fit over the front transmission bearing and has a seal that seals to the front of the transmission. This entire assembly replaces the old bearing retainer you just removed. Each style hydraulic release bearing is custom designed to fit your specific transmission in the same manner.

Image 5: Before installing the hydraulic release bearing, the manufacturer recommends a thin coat of silicone sealer on the face of the bearing and not using the stock bearing retainer gasket. Using the supplied socket head bolts, bolt the retainer to the front of the transmission and torque the bolts to 18 ft-lbs. Connect the hose from the release bearing to the master cylinder and bleed the system. Using a hydraulic release bearing will eliminate sloppy clutch linkage, and clearance for all types of headers will be greatly improved since the linkage is removed!