Parts for your 2009 Holden Colorado-Thrust bearing

2009 Holden Colorado thrust bearing — what it does and when to replace it

Based on the GM/Isuzu factory workshop manual for the RC Colorado (2008–2011), the GM Holden electronic parts catalogue, and Australian clutch catalogues (e.g., Exedy Australia), the 2009 Holden Colorado fitted with a manual gearbox uses a clutch release bearing, commonly called a thrust bearing. It sits on the gearbox input sleeve and presses on the pressure plate diaphragm to disengage the clutch. Automatic-transmission Colorados don’t use a clutch thrust bearing (they use a torque converter), though the engine itself has crankshaft thrust bearings inside the main bearings, which are a different component and not part of routine servicing.

For manual models, the thrust bearing’s job is simple: handle the axial load every time the driver presses the clutch pedal, keeping clutch operation smooth and quiet. When healthy, it helps deliver a clean disengage and precise shifts. When tired, it can squeal, rumble, or make the pedal feel rough.

There’s no fixed kilometre interval for replacement, because it depends on how the ute is driven. As a rule, the bearing should be replaced whenever the clutch is out, as the labour to access it is the same. Replacing it as part of a complete clutch kit (cover, disc, release/thrust bearing) is the smart, cost‑effective move.

• Common symptoms of a worn thrust bearing:
  • Squeal or rumble with the clutch pedal depressed that stops when released
  • Notchy or heavy pedal feel
  • Chatter on take‑off alongside other clutch wear signs

Good service practice on a 2009 Colorado manual includes checking the release fork, pivot/ball, and the spigot/pilot bearing in the crank. Lightly lubricate the fork pivot and the input shaft sleeve with a high‑temp moly grease, taking care not to contaminate the friction surfaces. Inspect the flywheel, if it’s dual‑mass, measure against spec and replace if out of limits. If it’s a solid flywheel, machine only as permitted by the workshop manual. Finish by bleeding the hydraulic clutch system, some variants use an external slave, others may employ a concentric unit—follow the manual’s procedure.

Driving habits matter, too. Resting a foot on the pedal or holding the ute on a hill with the clutch partially engaged keeps the thrust bearing loaded and will shorten its life. With the right parts and setup, a Colorado’s clutch and thrust bearing will go the distance for daily duties and weekend towing alike.

FAQs

Does a 2009 Holden Colorado have a thrust bearing?
Yes, manual‑transmission models have a clutch release (thrust) bearing. Automatic models don’t use one in the driveline, though the engine does have internal crankshaft thrust bearings that aren’t serviced during normal clutch work.

What are the signs the thrust bearing is failing?
Noise when the clutch pedal is pressed (squeal, growl, or rumble), a rough or heavy pedal, and occasionally clutch chatter. If the noise disappears when the pedal is released, the thrust bearing is a prime suspect.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced with the clutch?
Absolutely. Because the gearbox has to come out to access it, replacing the thrust bearing whenever the clutch is renewed saves repeat labour. It’s best practice to fit a complete kit and check the fork, pivot, pilot bearing, and hydraulics at the same time.