Parts for your 2005 Ford Falcon-Thrust bearing

2005 Ford Falcon thrust bearing — what’s fitted and what to do about it

Based on factory and trade documentation — including the Ford BA/BF Falcon Workshop Manual (2002–2008), Max Ellery’s Ford Falcon BA–BF 2002–2010 Service & Repair Manual, and the Tremec T5 and T56 service manuals — the 2005 Ford Falcon uses a clutch release bearing (commonly called a thrust bearing) on manual-transmission models. BA Mk II and early BF manuals with the Borg-Warner/Tremec T5 and the Tremec T56 both specify a release/thrust bearing, with the T56 using an internal concentric slave/release unit. Automatic Falcons (BTR 4-speed or ZF 6HP26) don’t have a clutch thrust bearing because they use a torque converter, they do, like any engine, have crankshaft thrust bearings inside the engine, but those aren’t routine service items.

For owners of 2005 Falcons with a manual ‘box, the thrust bearing’s job is simple but vital: it lets the rotating clutch pressure plate be smoothly disengaged when the pedal’s pressed, without transferring that rotation into the hydraulic system or fork. That keeps shifts clean, pedal feel consistent, and driveline wear down. If it’s tired, expect noises when the pedal is pressed — a whirring, chirp, or growl — and sometimes a graunchy feel with gear changes.

Best practice is to treat the thrust bearing as a consumable that’s replaced whenever the clutch is out. That’s exactly how the Ford and Tremec procedures approach it. On T56-equipped cars, the concentric slave/release assembly is replaced as a unit, the bellhousing and input shaft areas are checked for leaks, and the system is bled with fresh fluid. On T5-equipped cars, the release bearing is renewed along with checks of the fork, pivot, guide tube and the master/slave operation. Either way, it’s a gearbox-out job, so it’s smart to fit a full clutch kit (pressure plate, friction disc, release/thrust bearing, and pilot bearing) and inspect the flywheel at the same time.

Helpful tips owners appreciate:

• Replace the thrust bearing whenever the clutch is replaced — it’s false economy not to.
• Bleed the clutch hydraulics and check for any weeping at the slave/C.S.C., fluid on the disc ruins clutches and bearings.
• Avoid riding the clutch pedal, partial engagement cooks the release bearing and pressure plate fingers.
• Listen for noise changes: noise with the pedal down points to the thrust bearing, noise with the pedal up can be input/pilot bearing or gearbox.
• If converting or servicing a T56, use the correct C.S.C. height/shim as per Tremec specs to maintain release travel.

For auto Falcons: there’s no clutch thrust bearing to service. Routine transmission care is fluid and filter (where applicable), and any driveline “thrust” control is internal to the auto’s design. Engine crank thrust bearings aren’t inspected unless the engine is apart.

Popular questions

Which 2005 Falcons actually have a thrust bearing?
Manual BA Mk II/BF models do — both T5 and T56 use a clutch release (thrust) bearing, with the T56 running an integrated concentric slave/release unit. Autos (BTR 4-speed and ZF 6HP26) don’t have a clutch thrust bearing because they use a torque converter. The engine does have crankshaft thrust bearings, but they’re not a routine service item.

What are the signs a Falcon’s thrust bearing is worn?
A tell-tale whir, squeal or growl when the clutch pedal is pressed is the classic sign. Shudder on take-off, notchy shifts, or a pedal that feels rough or inconsistent can also point to a release/thrust bearing issue. Noise with the pedal released tends to indicate pilot bearing or gearbox input issues instead.

Can they keep driving if the thrust bearing is noisy?
Usually, yes — for a while — but it’s not ideal. A failing bearing can score the pressure plate fingers or fail outright, leaving the car without a working clutch. Plan a clutch kit replacement soon and include the thrust bearing and pilot bearing while the gearbox is out.