Annular clutch release bearing reliability.

[T540]

Just wondering if anyone can give me some info regarding the reliability of the Tilton series of annular clutch release systems.

SAAB road cars have a system which can be fitted with some effort at a fraction of the cost of a Tilton but I'm also not sure of its reliability.

I'm thinking of fitting one to my '82 Van Diemen but I don't want to be having to pull the gearbox off too often to change seals.

Thanks in advance.

[Nardi]

I put a Saab unit in a couple of 84 Reynard's and they worked flawlessly. Changed the T.O. bearing whenever engine was pulled.

[Charles Warner]

Properly installed the Saab units are bulletproof. Any misalignment will result in premature seal wear.

[S Lathrop]

The SAAB units were standard on the Citation FF/FC cars starting in 1987. Very reliable.

The mounting bracket is simple but remember that the assembly is held together by the bolts that mount the cylinder. So the bracket needs to be well thought out.

[DaveW]

Be careful where you get replacement seals - I did not have good luck with some I got off the Internet.

I wound up buying proper high-temperature peroxide-cured EPDM seals on special order with a reasonable minimum quantity from a reputable company: All Seals, 714-556-4931 (California).

My contact was Mike Leach, mleach@allsealsinc.com

If you mention my name, he still may have the records of what I bought.