Parts for your 2013 Ford Falcon-Thrust bearing

2013 Ford Falcon thrust-bearing: what it is, and when it applies

Referencing technical sources for the FG MkII era — Ford FG Falcon Workshop Manual (2011–2014, Section 308‑00 Clutch), Tremec TR‑6060 Service Manual for the performance manuals, and ZF 6HP26/6HP21 transmission service information — a thrust bearing is fitted to 2013 Ford Falcon models with a manual gearbox as part of the hydraulic clutch release system (typically a concentric slave cylinder with an integral thrust/release bearing). Automatic Falcons don’t use a clutch thrust bearing because they drive through a torque converter rather than a friction clutch. Note the engine itself also has crankshaft thrust washers inside the block, but those are a different internal bearing and not part of routine clutch service.

On a manual 2013 Falcon, the thrust bearing’s job is to press smoothly on the clutch diaphragm spring when the driver pushes the pedal, controlling disengagement while handling axial load and spinning freely against the pressure plate. That little bearing is key to quiet operation and clean shifts, especially under the torque of the Barra inline‑six (and the turbo variants). If the bearing starts to wear, owners often notice a chirp, squeal, or growl with the pedal depressed, a gritty pedal feel, or clutch drag that makes first and reverse cranky.

There’s no set service interval for the thrust bearing itself — it’s replaced when the clutch is out. Good workshop practice on a Falcon manual is to fit a complete clutch kit that includes the pressure plate, friction disc, new concentric slave/thrust bearing, and spigot (pilot) bearing. While the gearbox is out, most techs will inspect the rear main seal, check the fork/guide (where applicable), and machine or replace the flywheel if heat‑spotted. Because the FG’s clutch is hydraulic and shares brake fluid (DOT 4) in many trims, flushing the fluid every two years helps the release system live a long, quiet life.

• Common symptoms of a tired thrust bearing: noise with the pedal pressed, vibration through the pedal, difficulty selecting gears, or fluid weep at the bellhousing mouth (if the concentric slave is leaking).
• Driving tips: don’t ride the clutch at lights, and avoid resting a foot on the pedal. Heat and constant preload are what finish bearings off early.

For automatic Falcons, a thrust bearing isn’t used in the driveline because the torque converter handles take‑off and load changes without a clutch release mechanism. If an auto car shows similar noises, the cause will be elsewhere (converter, pump, flexplate, or ancillary components), not a clutch thrust bearing.

Popular questions about 2013 Ford Falcon thrust-bearing

Does my 2013 Falcon have a thrust bearing?
If it’s a manual with a clutch pedal, yes — it uses a hydraulic concentric slave with an integrated thrust/release bearing. If it’s an automatic (ZF 6‑speed), there’s no clutch thrust bearing in the driveline.

What are the signs the thrust bearing needs replacing?
Listen for a squeal, chirp, or rumble when the clutch pedal is pressed, a notchy pedal feel, or clutch drag that makes gears baulk. Any sign of hydraulic fluid at the bellhousing is also a red flag.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced on its own?
It’s best done with a full clutch service because the gearbox has to come out anyway. Most workshops fit a new clutch kit, thrust bearing/concentric slave, and pilot bearing, and check the flywheel and rear main seal at the same time.