Parts for your 2010 Mazda Cx-9-Thrust bearing

2010 Mazda CX-9 Thrust Bearing — What’s Fitted and What It Does

Referencing the 2010 Mazda CX‑9 workshop manual (Engine Mechanical: 3.7L MZI V6, Crankshaft/Main Bearings) and the Front Suspension section, this model uses two relevant thrust-style bearings: a crankshaft thrust bearing integrated into the main bearing set, and a strut top bearing within the MacPherson strut mount. Mazda’s 2010 CX‑9 for Australia and New Zealand was supplied exclusively with a 6‑speed automatic transmission per factory specifications, so there’s no manual clutch release/thrust bearing fitted. That means anyone chasing a “clutch thrust bearing” for this vehicle won’t find one—engine and suspension are the relevant spots.

On this CX‑9, the thrust bearing in the engine sits as part of the main bearings and keeps the crankshaft’s end float in check under axial loads—from the torque converter, accessory drive loads, and normal engine thrust. Its whole job is to stop the crank walking forward and backward, so oil clearances, sealing, and drivability stay sweet. It’s not a routine service item, it’s inspected during major bottom‑end work or when there are signs of trouble (think excessive crank end play or odd noises at the front of the engine). Replacement involves engine disassembly, so it’s typically done during an overhaul, not a quick driveway fix.

Up front in the suspension, the strut top bearing (often called a strut mount bearing) lets the spring and damper rotate smoothly with the steering. If it wears, the CX‑9 can feel a bit notchy or graunchy when turning at parking speeds, and there may be a clunk over bumps. This bearing is usually replaced with the strut mounts, and many workshops recommend doing them when fitting new struts—common around the 100–150,000 km mark depending on road conditions. Once the struts and bearings are replaced, a wheel alignment is a smart move to keep steering feel and tyre wear tidy.

• Signs a strut top bearing is tired: notchy steering at low speed, spring “ping” noises, and a dull clunk over bumps.
• Signs of crank thrust issues: noticeable crank pulley fore‑aft movement, abnormal front‑of‑engine noise, or flexplate wear—rare in well‑serviced engines.
• Good practice: replace strut bearings with mounts/struts, check the engine thrust bearing only during major engine work or fault diagnosis.

Popular questions about the 2010 Mazda CX‑9 thrust bearing

Does a 2010 Mazda CX‑9 have a clutch thrust (release) bearing?
No. The 2010 CX‑9 in Australia and New Zealand is automatic only, so there’s no manual clutch release/thrust bearing. The relevant bearings are the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing and the front strut top bearings.

When should the strut top bearings be replaced on a CX‑9?
They’re generally replaced when fitting new struts or if symptoms show up—like notchy low‑speed steering, spring twang, or clunks. Many CX‑9s see these done around 100–150,000 km, but it depends on road conditions and load.

Can a worn crankshaft thrust bearing be serviced without pulling the engine?
Not realistically. The thrust bearing is part of the main bearing assembly. Proper inspection and replacement require engine disassembly, so it’s handled during major repair or a rebuild, not standard servicing.