Parts for your 2013 Mazda Premacy-Thrust bearing

2013 Mazda Premacy Thrust Bearing

Based on Mazda’s CW-series Premacy/Mazda5 workshop manual (clutch and manual transaxle sections) and Mazda’s electronic parts catalogue for the 2010–2015 range, a clutch release bearing (commonly called a thrust bearing) is used on 2013 Mazda Premacy models fitted with a manual transmission. Automatic variants don’t use a clutch thrust bearing because they run a torque converter. Separately, every engine in the range uses crankshaft thrust bearings integrated into the main bearings, but those are part of the engine bottom end, not the clutch.

For a 2013 Mazda Premacy with a manual ‘box, the thrust bearing sits inside the bellhousing and presses on the clutch pressure plate when the driver dips the pedal. Its job is simple but crucial: convert the pedal’s movement into smooth, low-friction axial force so gears can be selected without graunching. When it’s healthy, the clutch take-up feels clean and quiet, when it’s tired, the Premacy can sound rough, feel notchy, and the pedal can get noisy or vibey.

There’s no fixed service interval for the thrust bearing, but it’s smart to treat it as a wear item. Most owners replace it whenever the clutch is done, because the gearbox has to come out anyway. That saves double labour and keeps the whole clutch system matched and fresh.

• Tell-tale signs it’s on the way out:
  • Whirring or chirping that changes when the clutch pedal is pressed.
  • A rough, scratchy feel through the pedal.
  • Difficulty selecting gears, especially first and reverse.
• Good servicing habits:
  • Inspect the bearing any time the transmission is out, spin it by hand and check for play or grittiness.
  • Replace as part of a full clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, thrust bearing) to maintain balance and warranty coverage.
  • Check the clutch hydraulics for leaks and bleed the system, poor hydraulics can mimic a crook bearing.
  • Avoid sitting at the lights with the pedal held down—heat and constant load shorten bearing life.

When fitting, ensure the contact faces are clean, the fork or guide surfaces are lightly lubricated with the correct high-temp grease (never overdo it), and follow the factory torque specs. A tidy install here pays off with quieter operation and longer life, keeping the Premacy shifting sweetly for many more kilometres.

Popular questions about 2013 Mazda Premacy thrust bearings

Does an automatic 2013 Premacy have a thrust bearing?
Automatic models don’t use a clutch thrust (release) bearing because they use a torque converter instead of a manual clutch. They do have engine crankshaft thrust bearings inside the block, which aren’t serviced during clutch work.

Can the thrust bearing be replaced on its own?
It can, but it’s usually best value to replace the full clutch kit while the gearbox is out. Labour is the big cost, and doing the lot in one go avoids pulling the transmission twice if another clutch part is near the end of its life.

What noises point to a failing thrust bearing?
A light whirr or chirp that starts when the clutch pedal is pressed and disappears when released is classic thrust-bearing noise. If the noise stays regardless of pedal position, look elsewhere—like the input shaft bearing or the accessory drive.