Parts for your 2013 Subaru Impreza-Thrust bearing

2013 Subaru Impreza thrust-bearing: purpose, care and when to replace

Based on Subaru technical sources — the factory Service Manual for the FB-series engine and the 2013 Impreza parts catalogue — a thrust-bearing is indeed used on this model. Every 2013 Impreza engine has a crankshaft thrust bearing built into the main bearing set to control end float. Manual-transmission cars also use a clutch release bearing (often called a thrust or throwout bearing). CVT models don’t have a clutch release bearing, but they still rely on the engine’s thrust bearing.

The engine’s thrust bearing keeps the crankshaft centred fore and aft, coping with axial loads from clutch engagement, accessory belt forces and normal combustion loads. If it wears out, crank end float increases, which can lead to oiling issues, sensor alignment dramas and, in bad cases, contact between rotating parts. It’s not a routine service item, it’s checked when there’s a symptom (or during a bottom-end rebuild) and replaced with the main bearing set if out of spec.

The clutch release bearing’s job is to let the clutch fork press the pressure plate smoothly while the clutch spins. On manuals, it’s typically replaced as part of a full clutch kit because the labour to get in there is the same. Using a quality OEM or equivalent bearing, renewing the pilot bearing/bush, and checking the fork and pivot are good practice on a clutch job.

For day-to-day ownership, there’s not much hands-on “maintenance” for these bearings, but habits make a difference. Avoid resting a foot on the clutch pedal, don’t hold the car on a hill with the clutch, and keep the clutch hydraulics healthy. Engine-wise, correct oil grade, level and change intervals help protect all bearings, thrust included. CVT owners can relax about a clutch release bearing, but the engine thrust bearing considerations still apply.

• Common clutch release bearing signs: squeak/chirp with the pedal pressed, roughness or a growl that changes when the pedal is used, pedal feel that’s notchy.
• Possible engine thrust bearing signs: noticeable crank pulley movement, stalling or drop in idle when the clutch is pressed, metallic glitter in the oil, or measured end float beyond spec.
• Replacement timing: release bearing at clutch replacement (often 150,000–250,000 km depending on use). Engine thrust bearing only during an engine rebuild or if end float is out of spec.

Manual or CVT, petrol or turbo variants, the 2013 Impreza relies on thrust-bearing hardware designed by Subaru for quiet operation and long life when driven and serviced sensibly.

FAQs

Does a 2013 Subaru Impreza have a thrust bearing?

Yes. All engines use a crankshaft thrust bearing as part of the main bearings. Manual models also have a clutch release (thrust/throwout) bearing. CVT models don’t have a clutch release bearing but still depend on the engine’s thrust bearing to control crank end float.

What are the symptoms of a bad thrust bearing on this model?

For the clutch release bearing: a chirp or growl when the clutch pedal is pressed, vibration in the pedal, or rough engagement. For the engine thrust bearing: excessive crank pulley fore–aft movement, idle dip or stalling when pressing the clutch, or metal particles in the oil. Proper diagnosis includes measuring crank end float.

When should the thrust bearing be replaced?

The clutch release bearing is replaced whenever the clutch is renewed, along with the pressure plate and disc. The engine thrust bearing isn’t a routine service part, it’s replaced during a bottom-end rebuild or if measured end float exceeds the Subaru specification in the Service Manual.