Parts for your 2009 Honda Stream-Thrust bearing

2009 Honda Stream thrust-bearing: what it is, and when it matters

Based on Honda’s RN6–RN9 Stream Service Manual and the Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue, a thrust-bearing (clutch release bearing) is fitted to 2009 Honda Stream models with the 5-speed manual transmission. Automatic models don’t use a clutch release/thrust-bearing because the torque converter handles engagement. The R-series engine also has a crankshaft thrust bearing integrated into the main bearings, but that’s an internal component and not part of regular servicing.

For owners of manual 2009 Honda Streams, the thrust-bearing is the small but critical roller bearing that lets the clutch pressure plate be pushed in smoothly when the pedal’s pressed. It handles axial load and spins quietly while you change gears, keeping pedal feel light and preventing chatter as the clutch disengages.

There’s no periodic service for the thrust-bearing itself, it’s a replace-once-you’re-in-there item. Best practice is to replace it every time the clutch disc and pressure plate are replaced. It’s inexpensive compared to the labour to pull the gearbox, so doing it together saves hassle down the track.

• Typical symptoms of wear: a whirring or squeal that appears only with the clutch pedal depressed, rough or notchy pedal feel, and engagement that feels grabby when hot.
• What it isn’t: if the noise is loudest with the pedal released and quietens when you press it, that’s more like an input shaft bearing, not the thrust-bearing.

When replacing the clutch on a manual Stream, the tech should fit a new OEM-quality release (thrust) bearing, lightly grease the bearing guide tube and fork contact points with high-temp moly grease (not the bearing face), and inspect the release fork, pivot ball, and slave cylinder for wear. Always check the flywheel surface, rear main seal, and input shaft seal while the box is out. If a pilot bush/bearing is fitted to your variant, replace that too.

After refit, bleed the clutch hydraulics, verify pedal free play to spec, and road-test for quiet operation on pedal press and release. Many failures stem from contamination or over-greasing, a light, correct lube at the right spots keeps things sweet for years.

If the vehicle is an automatic Stream, a clutch thrust-bearing isn’t applicable. Any drivetrain noise during gear engagement on autos is more likely torque converter, pump, or accessory bearing-related rather than a “thrust-bearing”.

Popular questions

Does a 2009 Honda Stream have a thrust-bearing?
Manual models do — it’s the clutch release bearing. Automatic models don’t use one. All engines have an internal crankshaft thrust bearing, but that’s not a routine service item.

What are the signs my Stream’s thrust-bearing is failing?
Noise only when the clutch pedal is pressed (whirr, growl, or squeal), a rough pedal, and inconsistent disengagement. If the noise is there with the pedal up and disappears when pressed, suspect the transmission input shaft bearing instead.

Should I replace the thrust-bearing with the clutch?
Yes. It’s cheap insurance while the gearbox is out. Replace the disc, pressure plate, and release bearing together, and check the fork, pivot, guide tube, and hydraulics to avoid doing the job twice.