Parts for your 2009 Subaru Exiga-Thrust bearing

2009 Subaru Exiga thrust bearing — what owners in Aus and NZ should know

For the 2009 Subaru Exiga (YA-series), a “thrust bearing” in the way most Aussie and Kiwi drivers use the term — the clutch thrust/release bearing — isn’t a relevant service part. Factory-spec 2009 Exiga models were built with automatic transmissions (4EAT or 5EAT) and, in later updates, Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT. No manual gearbox was offered in Subaru’s own documentation for that model year.

This position comes straight from technical sources: the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the YA-series and Subaru’s FAST parts catalogue list the Exiga’s transmissions as autos/CVT only, with no clutch assembly or release (thrust) bearing shown for 2009 builds. With no clutch, there’s no external thrust/release bearing to maintain or replace as part of regular servicing.

What the Exiga does have are internal thrust elements that aren’t routine service items:

• Crankshaft thrust bearing faces integrated into the engine’s main bearing set (EJ20 family) — only addressed during an engine rebuild or if end float is out of spec.
• Internal thrust/axial bearings and washers within the automatic transmission or CVT and the torque converter — serviced as complete assemblies, not as standalone bearings during normal maintenance.

That’s why workshops won’t quote a “thrust bearing replacement” for a 2009 Exiga the way they would for a manual Liberty/Legacy or Impreza. Instead, routine servicing focuses on transmission fluid condition (where applicable), timing belt and idlers (on EJ engines), accessory belt pulleys, and engine mounts — all common sources of noises that can be mistaken for a failed clutch thrust bearing on vehicles that don’t even have one.

There are a couple of edge cases to be aware of:

• If the car’s had a manual-conversion swap (rare, but possible in enthusiast circles), then a clutch release/thrust bearing will exist and will follow normal clutch service rules.
• Grey imports can vary, so it’s smart to confirm the gearbox code on the ID plate and check against Subaru’s service information if there’s any doubt.

For everyday owners of factory 2009 Exigas in Australia or New Zealand, there’s simply no clutch thrust bearing to worry about — and if someone is recommending one as a routine service item on an auto or CVT Exiga, it’s worth asking a few more questions.

Popular questions

Does a 2009 Subaru Exiga have a clutch thrust (release) bearing?

No. Factory 2009 Exiga models were built with automatic or CVT transmissions, so there’s no manual clutch assembly and no clutch thrust/release bearing to service. Any thrust components are internal to the engine or transmission and aren’t routine service items.

What noises get mistaken for a failed thrust bearing on an Exiga?

On autos and CVTs, common culprits include torque converter chatter at idle, worn accessory belt idler or tensioner pulleys, timing belt idlers on EJ engines, and even air-con compressor bearings. These can mimic the whirr or growl people associate with a clutch bearing, but they’re different fixes.

How can an owner confirm the transmission and whether a thrust bearing applies?

Check the transmission code on the vehicle ID plate and the build info. Codes corresponding to 4EAT/5EAT or Lineartronic CVT indicate no clutch thrust bearing. If still unsure, a technician can cross-check the VIN against Subaru service information or parts catalogues to confirm what’s fitted.