Parts for your 2013 Subaru Xv-Thrust bearing

2013 Subaru XV thrust bearing — what it is and when it matters

Based on Subaru’s factory service information and parts catalogues for the 2013 XV/Crosstrek, a thrust bearing (commonly called the clutch release or throw-out bearing) is fitted to 5‑speed manual models and is not used on CVT models. The Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue lists a clutch release bearing for 5MT XVs, and the Subaru Service Manual (Clutch section, 2013 XV/Crosstrek) details its fitment and servicing. For XVs with the TR580 Lineartronic CVT, Subaru technical literature explains there’s no conventional clutch, drive is managed by a torque converter and belt/pulley system, so there’s no external clutch thrust/release bearing to service.

For owners of a 5‑speed manual 2013 Subaru XV, the thrust bearing’s job is simple but critical: it lets the clutch disengage smoothly when the pedal’s pressed. Press the pedal and the fork pushes the bearing against the pressure plate’s diaphragm spring, the bearing spins, the clutch opens, and gears change without drama. When it starts to go, you’ll often hear a light whirr or chirp at idle that quietens when the pedal is pressed, or you may feel notchiness in the pedal. Left to get worse, it can growl, vibration can creep in, and clutch disengagement can become patchy.

There’s no set maintenance interval because the bearing is a sealed unit. The best time to replace it is any time the gearbox is out—typically during a clutch replacement. Good practice in Aus/NZ workshops is to fit a complete clutch kit (pressure plate, friction disc, release/thrust bearing, and pilot bearing/bush) rather than piecemeal parts. While in there, a tech will inspect the clutch fork, pivot/ball, guide tube, and the slave cylinder or release mechanism for wear. Lightly lubricating the input shaft splines and bearing contact points with the specified high‑temp grease (as outlined in the Subaru Service Manual) helps prevent noise and sticky pedal feel. If the bearing has already started making noise, it’s best not to try and “grease it in place”—that rarely lasts and can contaminate the clutch. Replacement requires gearbox removal, so budgeting for a full clutch service saves a second round of labour.

For CVT XVs, a “thrust bearing” isn’t a service item because there’s no manual clutch. Any driveline whine or engagement issues should be diagnosed within the CVT/torque converter system per Subaru’s CVT section in the service manual.

Technical references consulted:

• Subaru Factory Service Manual, 2013 XV/Crosstrek (Clutch section, CVT/TR580 section)
• Subaru FAST Electronic Parts Catalogue, 2013 XV, 5MT listings (Clutch Release Bearing)
• Subaru Technical Training materials for Lineartronic TR580 CVT

Always follow the Subaru Service Manual procedures and torque specs, and use quality parts that match your VIN.

Popular questions

What are the signs of a worn thrust bearing on a 2013 Subaru XV manual?
Common clues are a light whirr, chirp, or grinding noise at idle that changes or disappears when the clutch pedal is pressed. You might also feel a rough or notchy pedal. If the noise is present only when the pedal is down, it can also point to release fork or guide tube issues, so a proper inspection with the gearbox out is the way to confirm.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced every time the clutch is done?
Yes—most workshops in Australia and New Zealand replace the thrust/release bearing as part of a complete clutch kit. It’s a sealed unit and relatively inexpensive compared with the labour to remove the gearbox. Doing the bearing, pilot bearing/bush, and checking the fork and pivot at the same time avoids repeat labour and keeps the pedal feel smooth.

Is there a thrust bearing on the 2013 Subaru XV with CVT?
No. CVT models don’t use a manual clutch, so there’s no external clutch thrust/release bearing to service. If there’s noise or engagement issues on a CVT XV, the diagnosis focuses on the torque converter, CVT pump, pulleys, or bearings within the TR580 unit as outlined in Subaru’s CVT service procedures.