Parts for your 2009 Mazda Premacy-Thrust bearing

2009 Mazda Premacy thrust-bearing: what it is, when it matters, and how to look after it

Yes, a thrust-bearing is relevant on a 2009 Mazda Premacy — but only on manual-transmission models. Mazda’s workshop literature for the CR-platform Premacy/Mazda5 (2008–2010) lists a clutch release (thrust) bearing as part of the clutch assembly for manuals, while the automatic uses a torque converter and has no serviceable release/thrust bearing. This is consistent with Mazda EPC parts listings and major clutch manufacturers’ catalogues (e.g., Exedy) that package a release/thrust bearing with the clutch kit for the Premacy manual.

On the manual 2009 Premacy, the thrust-bearing (also called a release or throw-out bearing) sits on the gearbox input shaft and presses the clutch pressure plate’s diaphragm when the driver depresses the pedal. Its job is to convert pedal force into smooth axial load, letting the clutch disengage quietly and cleanly. When healthy, it’s near silent. When worn, it can chirp, whirr, or rumble — often changing with the pedal pressed — and may cause a notchier shift feel.

It’s not a regular service item by itself, it’s replaced whenever the clutch is done because the gearbox has to come out to access it. Most techs recommend swapping the full clutch kit (friction disc, pressure plate, thrust-bearing) together to avoid paying labour twice. If the vehicle has a dual-mass flywheel (common on diesel variants), its condition should be checked at the same time.

Good practice on a Premacy clutch/thrust-bearing job includes:

• Replace as a matched kit from a reputable brand (bearing, disc, cover).
• Inspect/replace the concentric slave cylinder (if fitted) and the release fork/pivot.
• Lightly grease the guide tube and fork pivots with high-temp moly grease — never over-grease.
• Check for gearbox input-shaft and rear main seal leaks while the box is out.
• Torque fasteners to spec, align the clutch properly, and bleed the hydraulics thoroughly.

Driving style and load dictate lifespan, but many Premacy clutches last well over 120,000–180,000 kilometres. If there’s noise only with the pedal depressed, or the pedal feels rough or “gravelly”, it’s time for inspection. Catching a noisy thrust-bearing early helps protect the pressure plate fingers and keeps the job simpler. For automatics, none of this applies — there’s no serviceable thrust-bearing in the clutch sense.

Popular question: How can someone tell the thrust-bearing is failing on a 2009 Premacy?

Listen for a whirring, chirping, or rumbling that appears with the clutch pedal pressed and fades when it’s released. A slightly rough pedal feel or vibration through the pedal can also point to a tired bearing. If the noise is present with the pedal up and disappears when depressed, that’s more likely the gearbox input shaft bearing, not the clutch thrust-bearing.

Popular question: Should the thrust-bearing be replaced on its own?

It’s technically possible, but not recommended. Because removal of the gearbox is the bulk of the labour, most workshops fit a full clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, thrust-bearing) at the same time. It’s better value, more reliable, and avoids paying for the same labour twice if the remaining parts wear out soon after.

Popular question: What does a thrust-bearing/clutch job typically cost in AU/NZ?

Prices vary with engine/gearbox and whether a dual-mass flywheel needs replacement. As a ballpark, expect several hours of labour plus parts, a full clutch kit with thrust-bearing commonly lands in the low four figures AUD/NZD if the flywheel is reusable. If the flywheel is worn or cracked, budget extra for machining or replacement.