Parts for your 2012 Subaru Forester-Thrust bearing

2012 Subaru Forester thrust-bearing — purpose, servicing and when to replace

According to Subaru technical sources — specifically the 2012 Forester (SH) Factory Service Manual sections for Engine and Clutch, Subaru’s Technical Information System, and genuine parts catalogues — the 2012 Subaru Forester is fitted with thrust bearings. All engines (FB25 for most 2.5i models and EJ255 on XT) use an integrated crankshaft thrust bearing to control end-float, and 5-speed manual models use a clutch release (often called “thrust”) bearing. The 4-speed automatic doesn’t have a clutch release bearing, but the engine’s thrust bearing is still present.

On manual Foresters, the thrust/release bearing sits on the gearbox input shaft sleeve and pushes against the pressure plate diaphragm when the clutch pedal’s pressed. Its job is simple but critical: it allows smooth, low-friction movement so the clutch can disengage cleanly without chewing out the diaphragm fingers. When worn, they can get noisy and affect pedal feel, and if ignored, can mark the pressure plate and lead to poor shift quality.

Servicing-wise, the clutch thrust bearing isn’t a periodic replacement item on its own, it’s typically renewed whenever the clutch is replaced. Best practice is to fit a complete clutch kit (pressure plate, friction disc, release/thrust bearing, and pilot bearing/bush) and inspect the fork, pivot ball and guide tube at the same time. For many Foresters that ends up around the 150,000–250,000 km mark depending on driving style, towing and city use. Tell-tale signs it’s time include a chirp, squeal or growl when the pedal is depressed, a rough or notchy pedal, or a clutch that won’t fully disengage.

Owners can help the bearing live a long life by avoiding riding the clutch, keeping foot pressure off the pedal at lights, and fixing any clutch hydraulic issues promptly so the bearing isn’t held loaded unnecessarily. If noise is present with the pedal down but disappears when released, that’s classic release/thrust bearing territory, if noise is present with the pedal up and vanishes when the pedal is touched, think input shaft bearing instead.

The engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing is internal and not a routine service item. Technicians will check end-float if there are symptoms such as odd clutch engagement, crank-walk style noises, or metallic debris in the oil. Replacement requires engine disassembly and is handled during a rebuild or when there’s measurable wear beyond spec.

• Manual models: replace thrust/release bearing with the clutch kit.
• Automatics: no clutch thrust bearing fitted, engine thrust bearing still exists but isn’t serviced routinely.
• Use quality parts and follow Subaru FSM procedures for alignment and torque.

Popular questions about 2012 Subaru Forester thrust-bearing

Does an automatic 2012 Forester have a thrust bearing?
Automatic (4EAT) models don’t have a clutch release/thrust bearing because there’s no manual clutch. They do, however, have the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing inside the block, which controls end-float. That internal bearing isn’t a scheduled service item and is only addressed if measurements or symptoms point to wear.

How long does a clutch thrust bearing typically last?
On a manual 2012 Forester, it commonly lasts as long as the clutch — often 150,000–250,000 km — but life varies with driving style. Lots of stop–start commuting, towing, or resting a foot on the pedal can shorten its life. When fitting a clutch, replacing the thrust bearing at the same time is the smart, cost-effective move.

What noise points to a failing thrust bearing?
A squeal, growl, or chirp when the clutch pedal is pressed (and which quietens when the pedal is released) is classic thrust/release bearing noise. If the noise is present with the pedal up and disappears when you press it slightly, that usually indicates an input shaft bearing instead.