Parts for your 2013 Volkswagen Amarok-Thrust bearing

2013 Volkswagen Amarok thrust-bearing — what it does and when to sort it

Yes, a thrust-bearing is relevant to the 2013 Volkswagen Amarok. Technical sources including Volkswagen’s ELSA/ErWin repair information (Group 30 – Clutch), the VW ETKA parts catalogue for Amarok (type 2H), and clutch kit catalogues from LuK/Schaeffler and Sachs all list a clutch release (thrust) bearing for the 6‑speed manual versions. The engine itself also uses a crankshaft thrust bearing integrated into the main bearings, regardless of transmission. On 8‑speed automatic Amaroks there’s no clutch release bearing, but the engine thrust bearing is still present.

For manual 2013 Amaroks, the thrust-bearing (often called the release or throwout bearing) sits in the bellhousing and presses on the clutch diaphragm when the pedal’s pushed. Its job is to convert the pedal/hydraulic movement into smooth, low-friction thrust so gears can be selected without graunching. When it’s healthy, shifts feel clean and the clutch action is quiet and progressive.

There’s no fixed service interval just for the thrust-bearing. Workshops generally replace it whenever the clutch is changed, because labour overlaps and a tired bearing can take out a fresh clutch. Typical signs it’s on the way out include a whirring or growling noise that appears with the clutch pedal depressed, a rough pedal feel, or difficulty selecting gears. If left too long, the bearing can seize and damage the pressure plate fingers.

Best-practice during a clutch service on a 2013 Amarok manual includes:

• Replace the thrust-bearing together with the clutch disc and pressure plate (use a matched kit).
• Inspect the guide tube, release fork and pivot, and the slave cylinder, renew worn parts.
• Check the dual‑mass flywheel for excess backlash, heat spots or grease leakage, replace if out of spec.
• Apply only the specified high‑temp grease sparingly on the guide points—don’t overdo it.
• Bleed the clutch hydraulics correctly, a spongy pedal can shorten bearing life.

To keep the bearing happy day‑to‑day, avoid riding the clutch, keep your foot off the pedal at lights, and get any new noises checked early. For automatic Amaroks, you won’t have a clutch thrust-bearing to worry about, but the engine’s thrust bearing still relies on clean oil and correct idle/line pressures—so timely servicing remains important.

Technical references noted: Volkswagen ELSA/ErWin Repair Information for Amarok (2H, 2010–2016), ETKA parts catalogue entries for clutch/release components, and LuK/Sachs clutch kit documentation covering Amarok 2.0 TDI manual models.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of a worn thrust (release) bearing on a 2013 Amarok?
Expect a whirring, chirping or growling noise that appears only when the clutch pedal is pressed, plus a rough or pulsing pedal feel. Gear selection may become notchy. If the noise is present with the pedal released, look instead at the gearbox input bearing or the dual‑mass flywheel.

Do automatic 2013 Amaroks have a thrust-bearing?
They don’t have a clutch release (thrust) bearing because there’s no manual clutch. However, the engine still uses a crankshaft thrust bearing within the main bearing set, so good oil quality and proper service intervals are still key.

Should the thrust-bearing be replaced with the clutch?
Absolutely. Because access requires gearbox removal, workshops replace the thrust-bearing with the disc and pressure plate as a set. It’s inexpensive insurance and helps the new clutch feel smooth and last longer.