Parts for your 2016 Ford Falcon-Thrust bearing

2016 Ford Falcon thrust-bearing — what’s actually fitted and what to do about it

According to the Ford FG X Falcon workshop manual (clutch/hydraulics section) and Tremec TR-6060 service literature, 2016 Falcon models equipped with the 6‑speed manual use a hydraulic concentric slave cylinder that incorporates the clutch release (thrust) bearing. By contrast, Ford’s 6‑speed ZF automatic used across most 2016 Falcons employs a torque converter, so there’s no clutch thrust/release bearing in the driveline, ZF transmission training materials describe internal multi‑plate clutches and thrust control inside the auto, but these aren’t service items in the way a manual’s release bearing is. It’s also worth noting the engine itself has crankshaft thrust washers within the main bearing set, but these aren’t part of routine servicing unless the engine is being rebuilt.

For a 2016 Falcon with the manual box, the thrust bearing’s job is simple but crucial: it rides the diaphragm fingers of the pressure plate to cleanly disengage the clutch whenever the pedal’s pressed. Because the FG X manual uses a concentric slave cylinder (CSC) wrapped around the input shaft, the release bearing is built into that hydraulic unit. That design gives a lighter, more consistent pedal and tidy packaging, but when the bearing or seal wears, the fix is replacement of the complete CSC assembly.

Common hints that the thrust bearing/CSC is on the way out include a whirring or chirping noise with the clutch pedal depressed, a notchier pedal feel, hard gear changes at a standstill, or hydraulic fluid weeping from the bellhousing. If any of that shows up, it’s smart to plan a clutch-out job rather than push through until it fails.

Best practice during servicing: the thrust bearing isn’t a periodic replacement item, but whenever the clutch is out (slipping, shuddering, or flywheel machining required), replace the CSC/release bearing at the same time. Bleed the clutch hydraulics with the correct DOT 4 brake fluid, as brake/clutch fluid service intervals (typically every two years) also look after the CSC’s longevity. While you’re in there, inspect the spigot/pilot bearing, rear main seal, and the flywheel and pressure plate faces. Use new pressure plate bolts where specified and torque them to the workshop manual figures. Driving habits help too—avoid riding the clutch at the lights and keep the pedal fully released between shifts to reduce constant contact on the bearing.

If the car’s a 2016 Falcon with the ZF auto, a clutch thrust bearing isn’t used because the torque converter handles launch and there’s no manual clutch to disengage. Any thrust loads are managed internally by the automatic’s designed-in bearings and hydraulic control, none of which are user-serviceable items.

• Fitted on 2016 Falcon manuals: Yes — hydraulic CSC with integrated release (thrust) bearing.
• Fitted on 2016 Falcon autos (ZF 6‑speed): No — torque converter, no clutch release bearing.
• Technical bases: Ford FG X workshop manual (clutch/hydraulics), Tremec TR‑6060 documentation, ZF 6HP technical guides.

Popular questions

Does a 2016 Ford Falcon with the ZF automatic have a thrust bearing?
No. The ZF auto uses a torque converter and internal clutches, so there’s no clutch release (thrust) bearing like a manual has. Any thrust control in the automatic is internal and not a routine service item.

How long does a thrust bearing last on a manual 2016 Falcon?
With sensible driving and clean hydraulic fluid, many will last the life of the clutch. Because the bearing is integrated with the CSC, it’s typically replaced whenever the clutch is removed for wear or flywheel work.

Can a noisy thrust bearing damage the gearbox or clutch?
Left to worsen, a rough or failing bearing can score the pressure plate fingers and contaminate the clutch with fluid if the CSC leaks. It’s best to address noise or leaks promptly to avoid collateral damage and a bigger bill.