Parts for your 1998 Subaru Forester-Thrust bearing

1998 Subaru Forester thrust bearing — purpose, service tips, and when to replace

Referencing Subaru technical literature—the 1998 Forester Factory Service Manual (Clutch and Engine sections) and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue—this model does use thrust bearings. Manual-transmission cars are fitted with a clutch release (thrust) bearing, and the EJ-series engine’s main bearing set includes a crankshaft thrust bearing. For routine servicing, the relevant item owners will encounter is the clutch release bearing on the gearbox input side, which takes axial load whenever the clutch pedal is pressed.

The clutch release (thrust) bearing’s job is simple but critical: it converts the clutch fork’s push or pull into smooth, low-friction contact with the pressure plate’s diaphragm fingers. That lets the Forester disengage drive cleanly for easy gear changes, reduces pedal effort, and prevents chew-up of the pressure plate. On many Subarus of this era the assembly may be a pull-type design, so the bearing clips into the pressure plate and is “pulled” to release the clutch—fitment and removal differ from a push-type and should follow the workshop manual closely.

Typical signs a release bearing is on the way out:

• Whirring, squeal, or grinding that appears with the clutch pedal pressed and fades when released
• Pedal vibration or a rough, notchy feel during engagement
• Difficulty selecting gears or a clutch that feels grabby after warm-up
• Noise that worsens under load or after long freeway kilometres

Best-practice servicing for a 1998 Forester’s thrust bearing:

• Replace the release bearing whenever the clutch is out—treat it as part of a full clutch kit with pressure plate, friction disc, and pilot bearing/bush
• Inspect the clutch fork, pivot ball, and the input shaft snout/guide—replace worn parts to avoid repeat noise
• Use the correct high-temp moly grease sparingly on the fork contact points and guide surfaces, keep grease off the friction material
• For pull-type setups, release the retaining clip properly and confirm the bearing locks back into the pressure plate on reassembly
• Bed in the new clutch gently over the first few hundred kilometres and recheck for any fluid leaks at the rear main or gearbox input seal

There’s no fixed interval—most quality bearings will run for well over 150,000 km—but if the clutch is slipping, chattering, or the pedal is noisy, it’s smart money to do the release bearing with the clutch and save a second round of spanner time. Automatic Foresters also have internal thrust bearings, but these aren’t separate service items.

Popular questions about 1998 Subaru Forester thrust bearings

Does a 1998 Forester auto have a thrust bearing I can replace?
Yes, the automatic uses internal thrust-style bearings inside the transmission, but they’re not separate service items. For DIY or routine servicing, the thrust bearing you’ll encounter is on manual models—the clutch release bearing. If an auto is noisy, diagnosis focuses on fluid condition, torque converter and internal components rather than a stand-alone bearing swap.

What noise points to a failing clutch thrust (release) bearing?
A classic symptom is a whirring, chirp, or growl that appears when the clutch pedal is pressed and quietens when the pedal is released. The sound often gets sharper as the bearing warms up. If it persists, replace the release bearing and check the fork, pivot, and input shaft guide so the new part isn’t loaded up by worn hardware.

Should the release bearing be changed every time the clutch is done?
Absolutely. It’s inexpensive compared with the labour to pull the gearbox, and replacing it with the clutch disc, pressure plate, and pilot bearing is the smart, reliable approach. Go for a reputable clutch kit, follow the correct push/pull procedure, and apply the right grease sparingly on contact points to keep things quiet and smooth.