Parts for your 2009 Subaru Forester-Thrust bearing

2009 Subaru Forester thrust bearing: what it is, where it lives, and when to replace it

Based on Subaru’s 2009 Forester Factory Service Manual (Engine and Clutch sections), the Subaru FAST parts catalogue, and mainstream clutch kit documentation from OEM suppliers such as Exedy, this model does use thrust bearings in two places: a clutch release (thrust) bearing on manual-transmission variants, and an engine crankshaft thrust bearing integrated into the main bearing set. Automatic-transmission models do not have a clutch release thrust bearing, but still have the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing by design.

For manual 2009 Foresters, the clutch release (thrust) bearing sits on the gearbox input housing and presses on the pressure plate’s release fingers when the clutch pedal is pushed. Its job is to let the rotating clutch assembly be disengaged smoothly while the pedal force is applied. When it’s healthy, gear changes feel clean and quiet. When it’s tired, there’s often a chirp, whirr, or growl that changes when the pedal is pressed, plus a notchier shift feel.

As part of routine servicing, there’s not much to “maintain” on the release bearing itself, but there are a few smart habits:

• Flush the clutch hydraulic fluid every 2–3 years to keep engagement smooth.
• During any clutch job, replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, and pilot bearing together.
• Lightly grease the bearing’s contact points and fork pivot with a high‑temp moly grease—never over‑grease, and keep friction surfaces spotless.
• Inspect the release fork, pivot, and the guide tube/input snout for wear, replace or sleeve if grooved.

On many Subarus the manual clutch is a pull‑type design. Correct removal/installation of the release bearing’s retaining clip is crucial, done wrong, it can damage the pressure plate or the bearing. A workshop familiar with Subaru drivetrains will have this down pat.

Typical replacement timing is with the clutch at around 150,000–200,000 km, or earlier if noise develops. If the gearbox is already out for other work, it’s cost‑effective to renew the bearing then. Symptoms pointing to a failing release bearing include a squeal or rumble when the pedal is depressed, vibration felt through the pedal, and difficulty selecting gears when stationary.

The engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing is internal and not a routine service item. It controls crank end‑float and is addressed only during an engine rebuild or if there’s a specific fault (e.g., abnormal end‑play). For automatic Foresters, there’s no clutch thrust/release bearing to worry about, focus on transmission fluid condition and scheduled servicing instead.

• Does a 2009 Subaru Forester have a thrust bearing?
  Manual models: yes—there’s a clutch release (thrust) bearing, plus the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing. Automatic models: no clutch release bearing, but the engine’s thrust bearing is still present.
• What are the signs the thrust/release bearing is failing?
  Chirping, whirring, or a growl that changes when the clutch pedal is pressed, a rough pedal feel, and harder shifts—especially selecting first or reverse at a standstill.
• When should it be replaced, and what else should be done?
  Usually with the clutch, around 150,000–200,000 km or when noisy. Replace the clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release and pilot bearings), inspect the fork, pivot and guide tube, and resurface or replace the flywheel as needed.