Parts for your 2009 Ford Falcon-Thrust bearing

2009 Ford Falcon thrust bearing — what’s fitted and what to service

Based on the Ford FG Falcon Workshop Manual (2008–2014), Tremec TR‑6060 service information, and clutch catalogues from local suppliers such as Exedy/ClutchPro, a thrust bearing is relevant to many 2009 Ford Falcon variants. Manual-transmission Falcons (5‑ or 6‑speed, depending on model) use a clutch release bearing commonly called a thrust bearing, on TR‑6060 cars it’s integrated with the hydraulic concentric slave cylinder. Separately, engine main bearing sets for the Barra 4.0 and Boss 5.4 V8 used in 2009 include crankshaft thrust bearings/washers (as listed in ACL and Federal‑Mogul catalogues). Automatic Falcons don’t have a clutch thrust bearing, but the engine still uses a crankshaft thrust bearing.

For a 2009 Falcon with a manual ’box, the thrust bearing’s job is to smoothly transfer pedal effort to the clutch pressure plate fingers so gears select cleanly without graunching. When the pedal’s pressed, the bearing runs at engine speed against the diaphragm spring, so it needs to be quiet, smooth, and well-aligned. Any roughness or play quickly turns into noise and poor clutch feel.

Best practice is to replace the thrust bearing whenever the clutch is out. On FG models with a concentric slave cylinder (CSC), the bearing and CSC are an assembly—replace the lot. It’s cheap insurance against having to pull the gearbox again. While in there, it’s smart to inspect the spigot/pilot bearing, check the fork and pivot (where fitted), and resurface or replace the flywheel if heat‑spotted or cracked.

• Common symptoms of a tired thrust bearing:
  • Whirring or chirping that changes when the clutch pedal is depressed
  • Notchy engagement or a pedal that feels rough or pulses
  • Fluid weep around the bellhousing on CSC‑equipped cars
• Service tips:
  • Flush the clutch hydraulic fluid with the brake fluid service (DOT 4), especially on CSC setups
  • Avoid riding the clutch—heat is the enemy of bearings and pressure plates
  • Use the correct alignment and torque specs from the FG workshop manual
  • On TR‑6060 cars, always check release bearing travel and pedal freeplay per Tremec guidance

For automatic 2009 Falcons, there’s no clutch thrust bearing to service, but the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearings are part of the main bearings and are addressed during engine rebuilds, not routine servicing. If there’s axial crank movement or harsh driveline shunt under load, that’s a workshop diagnosis job.

Popular questions about 2009 Ford Falcon thrust bearings

How can someone tell if the thrust bearing is failing on a 2009 Falcon?
Typically there’ll be a whirring, chirp, or grinding that appears when the clutch pedal is pressed and fades when it’s released. Pedal feel can turn notchy or vibrate. If it uses a hydraulic CSC, any fluid misting from the bellhousing area is a red flag. A mechanic can confirm by isolating clutch operation and checking bearing play with the gearbox out.

Do automatic 2009 Falcons have a thrust bearing?
They don’t have a clutch thrust (release) bearing because there’s no manual clutch assembly. However, every 2009 Falcon engine does have crankshaft thrust bearings as part of the main bearing set. Those only get attention during engine repair or overhaul, not regular servicing.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced when fitting a new clutch?
Yes. On FG manuals, especially TR‑6060 cars with a concentric slave cylinder, the release bearing is replaced with the CSC as a unit. It’s standard practice to renew the bearing, pilot/spigot bearing, and inspect the flywheel to avoid repeat labour and keep the pedal feel spot on.