Parts for your 2010 Subaru Forester-Thrust bearing

2010 Subaru Forester thrust-bearing: what it is, where it is, and when to sort it

Short answer: yes, a thrust-bearing is relevant to a 2010 Subaru Forester. Technical documentation for the SH-series Forester confirms two “thrust” roles. First, the EJ25 engine uses a thrust main bearing (integrated with the No. 5 main bearing) to control crankshaft end float, as outlined in the Subaru Forester SH Service Manual, Engine (EJ25) Main Bearing section. Second, on 5‑speed manual models, the clutch release bearing—often called a thrust or throwout bearing—is specified in the Service Manual’s Clutch System section. Automatic models (4EAT) don’t have a clutch release/thrust bearing, the torque converter handles engagement, as described in the Automatic Transmission section. So, the Forester does use thrust-bearing functionality—engine on all variants, and clutch release bearing on manuals.

For owners and workshops, the thrust-bearing’s purpose depends on the spot it serves. In the engine, the thrust main bearing keeps the crankshaft from walking fore and aft under clutch or converter loads, keeping oil clearances stable and protecting the timing gear and pump. In manual cars, the clutch release (thrust) bearing lets the clutch fork smoothly press the pressure plate’s diaphragm spring, so pedal feel stays light and engagement is clean.

Servicing advice is straightforward. Engine thrust bearings are not a routine replacement item, they’re inspected during a rebuild or when chasing axial end float issues, metallic glitter in oil, or odd crank pulley movement. Keep oil quality up to spec (both viscosity and change intervals) so the thrust faces stay well protected—Subaru’s schedule and the SH Forester Engine Lubrication specs are the guide here.

Manual clutch release bearings are wear components. Typical signs they’re due include:

• Whirring/squeal with the clutch pedal depressed that quietens when released
• Notchy pedal feel or clutch engagement that’s grabby or inconsistent
• Vibration or a light rumble through the pedal

On a 2010 Forester 5MT, replace the release bearing whenever the clutch disc and pressure plate are done, or any time noise points to the bearing itself. It’s a gearbox-out job, so doing it together saves labour. Use a quality bearing, lightly grease the release fork pivot and input shaft snout where specified, and confirm free-play and pedal height per the Service Manual. For autos, there’s no clutch thrust/release bearing to service, focus instead on fluid condition and cooler health to protect the converter and bushings.

Popular questions about 2010 Subaru Forester thrust-bearing

What are the symptoms of a worn clutch thrust (release) bearing on a 2010 Forester?
Common clues are a whirring or chirping noise with the pedal pressed that disappears when the pedal’s up, plus a rough pedal feel. If the noise is present with the pedal released and changes with engine speed, that’s more likely the input shaft or engine accessory bearings, not the release bearing.

Do automatic 2010 Foresters have a thrust-bearing to service?
They still have an engine thrust main bearing, but there’s no clutch release/thrust bearing in the transmission. For autos, look after the ATF, cooler and mount condition, if there’s end-float related engine noise or movement, that calls for engine diagnostics rather than transmission clutch work.

When should the thrust main bearing in the EJ25 be replaced?
It’s not scheduled. It’s inspected and measured during an engine rebuild or when there’s excessive crank end float, oil pressure concerns, or metal in the sump. Accurate diagnosis uses a dial gauge against the crank pulley and comparisons to the Service Manual’s end-play spec.