Parts for your 2013 Mazda Cx-5-Thrust bearing

2013 Mazda CX-5 thrust-bearing — what it does and how to look after it

Based on the Mazda CX-5 (2012–2017) Workshop Manual and Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue, the 2013 CX-5 does use thrust-bearings. The Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-D engines employ a crankshaft thrust-bearing (thrust washers integrated with a main bearing to control endfloat). In addition, CX-5 models fitted with the 6‑speed manual transmission use a clutch release (throw‑out) thrust-bearing within the clutch release mechanism. Automatic models do not have a clutch release bearing, but the engine’s thrust-bearing is still present. So yes, thrust-bearing is relevant to this vehicle.

For the engine, the thrust-bearing’s job is to keep the crankshaft from walking forwards and backwards in the block. It absorbs axial loads created by clutch actuation (manuals), accessory drive loads, and normal combustion forces that can nudge the crank along its axis. Keeping crank endfloat in spec protects the crank, bearings, and block, and helps maintain clean shifting feel on manuals and smooth operation overall.

This isn’t a routine replacement item like oil or filters. In normal use it’ll last the life of the engine if oil quality and change intervals are respected. Good servicing for the thrust-bearing is mostly good engine habits:

• Change oil on time with the correct grade to maintain a protective film on the bearing faces.
• Avoid riding the clutch or holding the pedal down at long lights — that adds constant axial load on manuals.
• Have crank endfloat checked during a clutch replacement, engine-out job, or if driveline symptoms suggest axial play.

Warning signs worth investigating include a dull knock when depressing the clutch, a change in clutch bite point after a hot run, visible in–out movement of the crank pulley, or fine metallic material in the sump during an oil change. If endfloat is out of spec (check against the Mazda Workshop Manual), replacement involves engine lower-end work — the sump and bedplate/main-bearing components need to come off. That’s a specialist job best left to a workshop with the right measuring gear.

On manual CX-5s, the clutch release (thrust) bearing is a normal wear part. Replace it whenever the clutch is changed, or sooner if there’s a whirring or growl with the pedal pressed. It sits with the release mechanism, so the transmission has to come out, doing it with the clutch kit saves labour and keeps things sweet for years.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Mazda CX-5 have a thrust-bearing?
Yes. Every 2013 CX-5 engine uses a crankshaft thrust-bearing to control endfloat. If it’s a 6‑speed manual, there’s also a clutch release (throw‑out) thrust-bearing. Autos don’t have the clutch release bearing, but the engine thrust-bearing still does its job.

When should the thrust-bearing be replaced?
It’s not a scheduled service item. Replace the engine thrust-bearing only if endfloat is out of spec or the lower end is being rebuilt. For manual models, replace the clutch release bearing whenever the clutch is changed, or if it’s noisy with the pedal down.

What are the signs of a worn thrust-bearing?
Engine thrust issues can show up as a knock when pressing the clutch, crank pulley shifting in and out, or metallic debris in the oil. A failing clutch release bearing usually makes a whirring or growling noise with the pedal pressed and may give a rough pedal feel.