Parts for your 2016 Subaru Exiga-Thrust bearing

2016 Subaru Exiga thrust-bearing: is it a thing?

Short answer: a user-serviceable “thrust bearing” isn’t a thing on the 2016 Subaru Exiga (including the Crossover 7). Subaru’s own technical literature shows this model is fitted with the FB25 flat‑four engine and a Lineartronic CVT, not a manual gearbox. In Subaru’s 2015–2017 Exiga/Crossover 7 Owner’s and Workshop Manuals and the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue (FAST), there’s no clutch release/thrust (throw‑out) bearing listed for this vehicle because there’s no manual clutch. What the documentation does show are: (1) an internal crankshaft thrust bearing integrated into the engine’s main bearing set, and (2) various internal thrust washers/bearings inside the CVT. Neither of these are scheduled service items.

Why it’s not used like in a manual: on a manual Subaru, the “thrust” or release bearing sits on the clutch fork and presses the pressure plate fingers. The 2016 Exiga’s CVT uses a torque converter and hydraulic multi‑plate clutches, so there’s no external release/thrust bearing to replace or maintain. Any thrust components that do exist are internal to the engine or transmission and are only addressed during a full rebuild.

If someone’s been told they need a “thrust bearing” on a 2016 Exiga, it’s worth double‑checking what fault they actually mean. Common culprits that can mimic “bearing” noises on CVT models include:

• Accessory drive bearings (idler/tensioner pulleys, alternator, A/C compressor)
• Front hub/wheel bearings
• Torque converter or CVT input shaft whine (requires specialist diagnosis)

Practical maintenance tips for owners:

• Follow Subaru’s CVT fluid service guidance for your market and duty cycle, use the specified CVT fluid only.
• Listen for changes in noise at idle versus light throttle cruise. A noise that changes with road speed may be wheel bearings, a noise that changes with engine speed at a standstill may be accessory drive related.
• If you suspect internal CVT or engine issues (end float, metallic swarf, harsh engagement), get a Subaru‑savvy workshop to confirm with factory procedures before replacing parts.

Technical sources referenced: Subaru Exiga/Crossover 7 Owner’s Manual, Subaru Factory Service Manual (FB25 + Lineartronic CVT), and Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue (FAST) for the 2015–2017 Exiga/Crossover 7, which together show no serviceable clutch thrust/release bearing on this model and identify the crankshaft thrust bearing only as part of the engine’s main bearing set.

• Does the 2016 Subaru Exiga have a clutch thrust/release bearing?
  No. This model runs a Lineartronic CVT with a torque converter, so there’s no manual clutch or external release/thrust bearing to service. Any “thrust” components are internal to the engine or CVT and not routine service items.
• What noises get mistaken for a thrust bearing on a CVT Exiga?
  Commonly: idler or tensioner pulleys, alternator bearings, A/C compressor bearings, wheel bearings, or CVT/torque‑converter whine. A quick test is whether the noise tracks engine speed at a standstill (accessory drive) or road speed (wheel bearings).
• Does the FB25 engine have a thrust bearing and does it need maintenance?
  Yes, the FB25 uses a thrust bearing integrated into the main bearing set to control crankshaft end float. It’s not a consumable and isn’t serviced on its own—only inspected or replaced during an engine overhaul to factory specs.