Parts for your 2015 Mazda Cx-5-Thrust bearing

2015 Mazda CX-5 thrust-bearing — what’s fitted, what’s not

Technical sources including the Mazda CX-5 (KE series, 2012–2016) Workshop Manual and Mazda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue show that a thrust-bearing (commonly called a clutch release or throwout bearing) is fitted to manual-transmission CX-5 models with the SKYACTIV-MT gearbox. Automatic models with the SKYACTIV-Drive transmission don’t use a thrust/throwout bearing because they employ a torque converter and internal multi-plate clutches instead. So, the thrust-bearing is relevant for manual 2015 CX-5s, and not applicable to autos.

On a manual 2015 Mazda CX-5, the thrust-bearing lives on the transmission input shaft and presses against the clutch pressure plate’s diaphragm spring when the clutch pedal is pushed. Its job is to turn that pedal force into smooth, low-friction axial load, so gears can be selected cleanly without graunching. When healthy, it helps deliver a light, predictable pedal feel and protects the clutch cover from excessive wear.

There’s no periodic service interval for the thrust-bearing — it’s a sealed component — but smart practice is to replace it whenever the clutch is out. That’s why most workshops in Aus and NZ will fit a complete clutch kit (friction disc, pressure plate, release/thrust bearing, and usually a pilot bearing) in one go. With the gearbox out, the labour’s already done, and a fresh bearing helps the new clutch live a long, quiet life.

Replacement tips a good mechanic will follow (as echoed in Mazda service literature):

• Lightly lubricate the release fork pivots and bearing guide tube with high-temp moly grease, avoiding the bearing face.
• Inspect the release fork, pivot ball, guide tube, and slave cylinder/line for wear or leaks.
• Check pedal free play and clutch engagement height after refit.

Tell-tale signs a thrust-bearing is on the way out include:

• A chirp, squeal, or rumble that appears only when the clutch pedal is depressed.
• Pedal vibration or a notchy feel whilst selecting gears.

If you’ve got an automatic 2015 CX-5, a thrust/throwout bearing isn’t used. Any driveline noise on those cars is more likely from the torque converter, accessory bearings, or hub/wheel bearings, which are different components entirely.

Popular questions about 2015 Mazda CX-5 thrust-bearing

Does every 2015 CX-5 have a thrust-bearing?
No — only manual-transmission models. The SKYACTIV-Drive automatic uses a torque converter and internal clutch packs, so there’s no external throwout/thrust bearing to service.

What noises point to a failing thrust-bearing on a manual CX-5?
A squeal, chirp, or grinding that starts when the clutch pedal is pressed and fades when it’s released is classic throwout bearing behaviour. If the noise is present with the pedal up and disappears when you press it, that’s more likely an input shaft bearing or something else.

When should it be replaced and what else should be done?
Best time is during a clutch replacement, as the gearbox is already out. Most techs fit a full clutch kit including the release bearing, inspect the fork and guide tube, and lightly lube the pivots. That approach saves labour and helps keep the pedal feel smooth for the next 100,000+ kilometres, depending on driving style.