ACT Release Bearing – Nissan 350Z (Z33) | Direct-Fit OE Quality

Replace your 350Z’s worn or failed release bearing with the ACT RB130 Release Bearing — a high-quality, direct-fit release bearing engineered to meet or exceed OE standards for the Nissan 350Z (Z33). A critical clutch system component, the release bearing (also known as a throw-out bearing) engages the clutch pressure plate during every gear change — making its quality and reliability essential for smooth, consistent clutch operation. ACT’s RB130 delivers OE-quality fitment and durability in a direct-replacement package.

Key Features:

• Direct-fit replacement — engineered for direct, OE-fit installation in the Nissan 350Z (Z33) clutch system
• Meets or exceeds OE standards — high-quality construction that matches or surpasses the original equipment specification
• ACT quality — manufactured by one of the most trusted names in performance clutch and drivetrain components
• Part number RB130 — ACT’s application-specific release bearing for the Z33 350Z

Performance Benefits:

• Smooth Clutch Engagement: A quality release bearing ensures smooth, consistent clutch pedal feel and engagement — eliminating the noise, vibration, and inconsistent engagement caused by a worn or failing bearing
• Reliable Clutch Operation: The release bearing is engaged every time the clutch pedal is depressed — a high-quality bearing maintains consistent operation over the full service life of the clutch system
• OE-Quality Fitment: Direct-fit design ensures correct installation dimensions, correct fork contact geometry, and proper engagement with the pressure plate fingers — critical for consistent clutch feel and long bearing life
• ACT Clutch System Compatibility: Designed to work with ACT clutch kits for the 350Z, making it the ideal replacement bearing for builds running ACT performance clutch components

Specifications:

• Brand: ACT (Advanced Clutch Technology)
• Part Number: RB130
• Type: Release bearing (throw-out bearing)
• Fitment: Direct OE replacement
• Quality Standard: Meets or exceeds OE specification
• Application: Nissan 350Z (Z33)

Fitment Information:

• Nissan 350Z (Z33) — verify your specific year and transmission configuration before ordering
• Note: Confirm fitment with ACT for your exact model year and transmission. Release bearing fitment can vary by year and transmission variant.
• ACT Clutch Compatibility: Verify compatibility with your specific ACT clutch kit if replacing as part of a clutch system upgrade
• Installation: Professional installation strongly recommended — release bearing replacement requires transmission removal

What’s Included:

• ACT release bearing (RB130)

Installation Notes:

• Professional installation strongly recommended — release bearing replacement requires transmission removal on the 350Z
• Always replace the release bearing when replacing the clutch — never reuse a worn release bearing with a new clutch
• Inspect the clutch fork and pivot ball for wear and replace if necessary during installation
• Clean the transmission input shaft and apply a light coat of high-temperature grease to the bearing contact surface
• Verify correct bearing seating and fork engagement before reinstalling the transmission
• Bleed the clutch hydraulic system after installation if applicable

What is a Release Bearing?

The release bearing (also called a throw-out bearing) is the component that transfers the clutch pedal’s mechanical or hydraulic force to the clutch pressure plate’s diaphragm spring fingers. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the release bearing moves forward and presses against the pressure plate fingers, disengaging the clutch disc from the flywheel and allowing a gear change. The bearing must rotate smoothly under load every time the clutch is operated — making its quality and condition critical for consistent clutch feel and reliable operation. A worn or failing release bearing typically produces a grinding, chirping, or rattling noise when the clutch pedal is depressed, and can eventually fail completely, leaving the driver unable to disengage the clutch.

When to Replace the Release Bearing:

The release bearing should always be replaced when the clutch disc and pressure plate are replaced — since the transmission must be removed for clutch access, replacing the bearing at the same time adds minimal cost and eliminates the risk of a bearing failure requiring a second transmission removal shortly after a clutch job. Signs of a failing release bearing include noise when the clutch pedal is depressed (grinding, chirping, or rattling that disappears when the pedal is released), inconsistent clutch engagement, or a change in clutch pedal feel. On a performance platform like the 350Z, where clutch system reliability is important for both street and track use, a quality ACT release bearing is the correct replacement choice.

Why ACT?

Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has been manufacturing performance clutch components since 1991, with a comprehensive lineup of clutch kits, flywheels, and clutch system components for import and domestic performance vehicles. Their release bearings are engineered to the same quality standards as their clutch kits — direct-fit, OE-quality components that deliver reliable performance in both street and performance applications. For 350Z owners running ACT clutch kits, the ACT RB130 is the matched replacement bearing for a complete, compatible clutch system.

Perfect For:

• Nissan 350Z (Z33) owners replacing a worn, noisy, or failed release bearing
• 350Z clutch replacement jobs where the release bearing is being replaced simultaneously with the clutch disc and pressure plate
• Builds running ACT clutch kits on the 350Z requiring the matched ACT release bearing
• Anyone performing a transmission removal on the 350Z who wants to replace the release bearing as preventive maintenance

Pro Tip: Always replace the release bearing, pilot bearing, and clutch fork pivot ball at the same time as the clutch disc and pressure plate. These components are inexpensive relative to the labour cost of a transmission removal — replacing them all at once eliminates the risk of any one component failing and requiring a repeat of the same labour-intensive job.

Note: Verify your specific year and transmission configuration before ordering. Professional installation strongly recommended — transmission removal is required for release bearing replacement on the 350Z.