Parts for your 2015 Suzuki Splash-Thrust bearing

2015 Suzuki Splash thrust bearing — what it is, whether it’s fitted, and how to look after it

Based on technical sources including the Suzuki Splash/K12B service manual clutch section, Suzuki’s electronic parts catalogue, and mainstream clutch catalogues from Exedy and SKF/NTN, the 2015 Suzuki Splash with the 5‑speed manual gearbox is fitted with a clutch release bearing (commonly called a thrust bearing). Automatic Splash variants use a torque converter and do not use a clutch thrust bearing in the driveline.

On a 2015 Suzuki Splash manual, the thrust bearing sits on the clutch fork inside the bellhousing and presses on the clutch pressure plate’s diaphragm when the pedal’s pushed. Its whole job is to let the pressure plate be disengaged smoothly while spinning, so gear changes stay tidy and the driveline doesn’t complain. It’s a sealed unit, so there’s no greasing or fiddling during regular servicing. Instead, it’s assessed and typically replaced whenever the clutch is done.

How to know it’s time? Common giveaways include a whirring or chirping noise that appears with the clutch pedal depressed and disappears when the pedal’s released, a notchy or rough pedal feel, or difficulty selecting gears that improved briefly then returned. If the bearing’s rough, it can quickly mark the diaphragm fingers, so it’s smart to sort it before it snowballs into a full clutch job on your terms rather than the car’s.

Best practice on a Splash is simple:

• Replace the thrust bearing whenever the clutch disc and pressure plate are replaced — go for a full kit to avoid double labour later.
• During gearbox-out work, inspect the clutch fork pivot, guide tube/input shaft sleeve, and the slave cylinder operation, replace worn bits and lightly dress any burrs on the guide surface.
• Bleed the hydraulic system (if applicable) and check pedal free play and smooth return after installation.
• Avoid washing the bearing with solvents — it’s sealed, contamination shortens life.

There’s no fixed kilometre interval for thrust bearings on the Splash, life depends on driving style. City stop‑start and riding the clutch will age it faster. If the gearbox is coming out for any reason — clutch, rear main seal, or input shaft seal — it’s the ideal time to fit a new thrust bearing and enjoy a quiet pedal and crisp shifts.

Popular questions about 2015 Suzuki Splash thrust bearings

Does an automatic 2015 Suzuki Splash have a thrust bearing?
Automatic models don’t use a clutch thrust (release) bearing because they have a torque converter instead of a manual clutch. The thrust bearing discussed here applies to 5‑speed manual Splash variants.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced on its own?
It can be, but it’s usually false economy. Because the gearbox has to come out, most workshops recommend a complete clutch kit (clutch disc, pressure plate, release/thrust bearing, and alignments) so you don’t pay the labour twice. If the clutch is near new and the bearing is the only noisy item, a standalone replacement can make sense.

What noises point to a failing thrust bearing on a Splash?
Listen for a light whirr, chirp, or growl that starts when the clutch pedal is pressed and goes away when released. If the noise is present with the pedal up and vanishes when pressed, that’s more likely the input shaft bearing, not the thrust bearing.