Hays Clutch Release Bearing and Slave Cylinder Assembly

Hays Clutch Release Bearing & Slave Cylinder Assembly: Race-Proven Precision for the Street and Strip

When it comes to manual drivetrain components, few names carry the weight of Hays. Founded in 1958 by SEMA Hall of Famer Bill Hays, the brand was born from a simple conviction: factory clutch components weren't built to survive the demands of real performance driving. Drag racing legends like "Big Daddy" Don Garlits and Tom "the Mongoose" McEwen famously trusted Hays with their builds, and that heritage of durability and precision engineering carries directly into every component the brand produces today — including their Clutch Release Bearing and Slave Cylinder Assemblies.

What Is a Clutch Release Bearing and Slave Cylinder Assembly?

A clutch release bearing and slave cylinder assembly combines two critical elements of the hydraulic clutch actuation system into a single, integrated unit. The slave cylinder converts hydraulic pressure from the clutch master cylinder into mechanical force, while the release bearing (also called a throwout bearing) transfers that force directly to the pressure plate fingers — disengaging the clutch disc from the flywheel when you press the pedal. By integrating these two components, concentric slave cylinder (CSC) designs eliminate the external slave cylinder and clutch fork, reducing the number of potential failure points and streamlining the entire actuation system.

Why Choose Hays for This Category?

Hays approaches clutch release components with the same philosophy that has defined the brand for over six decades: use only top-quality materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to ensure every part meets the demands of both daily driving and high-performance use. Now part of the Holley Performance family, Hays continues to develop and expand its driveline product lineup for both manual and automatic transmission applications, bringing the engineering depth of a major performance conglomerate to bear on even individual clutch system components.

For enthusiasts swapping transmissions, upgrading to a performance clutch kit, or refreshing an aging drivetrain, selecting a quality release bearing and slave cylinder assembly is not an afterthought — it is foundational. A worn or undersized unit can cause incomplete clutch disengagement, difficult shifting, clutch chatter, or premature disc wear. Hays's commitment to precise tolerances and durable construction means their assemblies are engineered to work in harmony with the rest of the clutch system, whether you're building a weekend cruiser or a dedicated strip machine.

The Hays Drivetrain Ecosystem

Hays release bearing and slave cylinder assemblies are designed to complement the brand's broader clutch lineup, which includes complete clutch kits, pressure plates engineered for precise gear changes, clutch discs built for smooth chatter-free engagement, and SFI-certified flywheels and flexplates. Whether you're replacing just the hydraulic actuation components or building out a complete clutch system from scratch, Hays offers the full range of parts to see the job through with confidence.

• Integrated concentric slave cylinder design reduces external plumbing and failure points
• Engineered to precise tolerances for smooth, consistent clutch pedal feel
• Backed by Hays's decades-long legacy in high-performance drivetrain engineering
• Part of the Holley Performance family — supported by industry-leading R&D resources
• Designed to pair seamlessly with Hays complete clutch kits and pressure plates

If you're building or refreshing a manual-transmission vehicle and need a release bearing and slave cylinder assembly you can count on under pressure, Hays delivers the pedigree, precision, and performance that serious enthusiasts demand.