Parts for your 2009 Subaru Tribeca-Thrust bearing

2009 Subaru Tribeca thrust-bearing

Based on Subaru’s own technical literature, a thrust-bearing is indeed used on the 2009 Subaru Tribeca. The Factory Service Manual for the EZ36D 3.6-litre flat-six details crankshaft endplay and thrust-bearing inspection, and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue lists the main bearing set with integrated thrust faces for this engine. As the 2009 Tribeca was supplied with the 5EAT automatic only, there’s no clutch release (throwout) bearing fitted, the relevant “thrust” component on this model is the engine’s crankshaft thrust-bearing.

On this Tribeca, the thrust-bearing is part of the crankshaft main bearing set. Its job is to control axial (front-to-back) movement of the crank, keeping it centred under load from the torque converter and the accessory drive. When it’s doing its thing, gear changes are smooth, seals stay happy, and the timing hardware and chains aren’t being nudged around by excess end float.

It’s not a routine service item like oil or filters. In normal use it should last the life of the engine, provided oil quality is kept up to scratch. Regular services with the correct-grade oil and timely changes are the big protectors here, dirty or low oil accelerates bearing wear. If a technician suspects excess crank end float, they’ll measure it with a dial indicator per the Subaru FSM spec and procedure.

Replacement is only on the cards during an engine rebuild or if endplay is found out of spec. It’s a proper bottom-end job: engine out, sump and girdle off, crank removed, bearing clearances checked and matched, then reassembly to FSM torque and sequence. Good workshops will also inspect the torque converter, flexplate, oil pump, and rear main seal while in there. Genuine or high-quality bearings, clean assembly practices, and precise measurements (plastigauge, micrometers, dial gauges) are non-negotiable.

Owners who want to look after this component don’t need to do anything fancy—just keep up regular servicing, fix oil leaks promptly, and address any driveline vibrations or harsh shifts early so axial loads don’t hammer the crank. If any of the following crop up, it’s worth getting a specialist to check things out:

• Audible knock or scrape at idle that changes when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse
• Unusual crank pulley movement or repeated rear main seal leaks
• Metallic debris in the sump or oil filter during inspections

With correct oil, sensible driving, and timely transmission and engine care, the Tribeca’s thrust-bearing tends to be a quiet achiever—fitted, working hard, and almost never thought about.

Does a 2009 Tribeca have a clutch thrust/release bearing?

No. The 2009 Subaru Tribeca came with the 5EAT automatic only, so there’s no manual clutch or release (throwout) bearing. Any “thrust-bearing” talk for this model refers to the engine’s crankshaft thrust-bearing within the main bearing set.

What are the signs a Tribeca’s engine thrust-bearing is worn?

Common clues include a light knock or scraping noise at idle that changes when selecting Drive/Reverse, repeat rear main seal leaks, or measurable excess crankshaft end float. A technician confirms it by checking axial clearance with a dial indicator against the Subaru FSM spec.

Should the thrust-bearing be replaced during regular servicing?

No. It’s not part of routine maintenance and isn’t replaced preventively. It’s addressed only during engine rebuilds or if diagnosed out of spec. Sticking to correct oil, service intervals, and sorting transmission or driveline issues early greatly reduces the chance of thrust-bearing trouble.