Hydraulic Bearings Instructions

All RAM Clutches technical support is initiated electronically. Due to the highly technical nature of hydraulic system questions and recommendations, there is certain information we must have in order to help you specify a system or answer technical questions.  Using this support form allows you gather this information and save several phone calls in order to get us the info we need to help you.  Additionally, you will have a hard copy of any recommendations or changes that you can refer back to in the future.  Be assured that in situations that are highly detailed or where it is required, we will contact you by phone if necessary once the complete information is received.  The more detail you provide, the easier it is for us to help you quickly and efficiently.  Support questions are answered on Monday to Friday, 8 am – 5 pm EST.  We often check these evenings and weekends as well.

All technical inquiries and questions on hydraulics are handled electronicallyclick here to submit a hydraulics support request.

If you do not have access to email, print this form, complete it, and mail to:

RAM Clutches, 201 Business Park Blvd, Columbia, SC 29203 ATTN: Hydraulics tech.

How to install a RAM hydraulic bearing

How to change o-rings in a RAM hydraulic bearing

How to set up a clutch with factory hydraulics

Hydraulics FAQ’s

PLEASE NOTE:  TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR RAM HYDRAULICS IS PERFORMED ELECTRONICALLY.  PLEASE REVIEW THE FAQ’S BELOW, AND IF A RESOLUTION IS NOT FOUND, YOU CAN USE THE HYDRAULICS E-TECH FORM TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS.  AN ANSWER WILL BE PROVIDED IN A TIMELY MANNER.

I need a recommendation as to which hydraulic bearing is correct for me. How do I get this?

First, review the applications section to see if you are able to locate your specific need. If you are unable to find it, use the E-Tech form to send us information about your specific application, and we will recommend the proper release bearing package.

What is the correct fluid to use in my RAM hydraulic bearing?

We recommend using only DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid. DOT 5 silicone fluids will cause swelling of the or-rings and possible fluid leakage.

I have done all the installation measurements and with no shims my RAM hydraulic bearing will not fit. What can I do?

Some applications are simply not going to provide enough room for the RAM hydraulic bearing without modifications. Possible reasons for this include thicker factory flywheels or taller than usual clutch assemblies. If you must use this product, you will need to reduce the overall setup height of your clutch assembly, possibly with a thinner flywheel or shorter clutch cover, trim some material off the base of the input collar, Space the bellhousing back from the engine, or the transmission will need to be spaced back from the bellhousing to increase bearing clearance.

If you provide your overall height numbers (A, B, and C dimensions from setup sheet) and flywheel thickness from the crank flange to friction surface to us on the Hydraulics E-tech form, we can make some suggestions for you to work around this issue.

My RAM hydraulic bearing is leaking. What do I do?

If your hydraulic bearing is leaking, the first thing you must do before contacting us is determine the cause of the leak. Is the fluid leaking from the fittings or lines? Is it leaking from the seals/o-rings?

If the fittings are leaking, make sure you have used Teflon tape to seal the fittings in the bearing. Liquid and Teflon tube sealants WILL NOT hold the pressures this bearing sees and will ultimately leak. Re-check the tightness of the fittings and the hoses.

If the seals/o-rings are leaking, why? Double check your setup heights on the bearing to make sure the bearing is not traveling to the snap ring and overpressurizing the system. Other possibilities include contaminated fluid, overheated fluid, use of improper fluid.

Re-read the instructions located here to review other possibilities for the leakage.

When using a Long style / 3-finger clutch, the straight fittings on the base of the bearing hit my levers. What do I do?

RAM produces a specific bearing kit for use with the Long Style pressure plate. It utilizes a wider bearing face and 45 degree line fittings that angle the lines back away from the clutch fingers and cover. Part number for the universal kit is 78125HDL, or you can replace the bearing only itself with the wider face bearing part number 78017L on any other RAM hydraulic bearing unit.

The snap ring on my hydraulic bearing will not clear the fingers (inner hole) on my pressure plate. What should I do?

The snap ring may be removed for increased clearance on some clutch covers, such as on the RAM Concept 10.5 clutch. Extra care should be taken when doing the setup measurements to be sure the bearing will not be extended past the end of the piston when operated since the snap ring is no longer in place to impede over extension.

My clutch is not disengaging after installing my hydraulic bearing. Why?

There are several possibilities. The master cylinder that is being used may not have sufficient bore, stroke, or diameter to move enough fluid for full travel. RAM recommends a minimum ¾ bore size with a minimum 1.1 inch stroke. This combination yields travel of roughly .450-.500 inch.

Improper set-up height of the bearing could cause a situation where the bearing is too far away from the fingers and sufficient travel cannot be reached before the bearing bottoms out on the snap ring.
All measurements should be rechecked to make sure the bearing was installed correctly the first time.

If your bleed is not sufficient or complete and air remains in the system, travel may be limited. Usually this is the case if the master cylinder size is correct.

Follow this link for instructions on checking the travel of your RAM hydraulic bearing while on the car.

If you need to contact us with questions regarding non-release, you MUST use the Hydraulics E-Tech form and it MUST be filled out completely for accurate assistance.

My clutch pedal is mushy or not firm all the way to the top.

The bearing is not completely bled and air remains in the system.

My clutch is engaging right at the top of the pedal. Why?

Hydraulic release bearings do not retract and thus as soon as you step on the pedal, the fingers of the clutch begin moving. This can cause a high pedal that is not comfortable for some drivers. A RAM pedal height adjuster may be an option for you as it allows putting some ‘freeplay’ in the top of the pedal and moving the engagement point down some closer to the floor.

My clutch fluid is dark or discolored. My clutch pedal feels different at different times. Why?

The fluid is becoming overheated, likely from the feed line running close to hot components on the engine or exhaust. Insulate this line with a high heat covering or jacket material.