Parts for your 2016 Subaru Forester-Thrust bearing

2016 Subaru Forester thrust-bearing — what’s fitted and what to do about it

Referencing the Subaru Factory Service Manual (SJ), the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue, and the Subaru transmission chapters for TR580/TR690 CVTs and the 6‑speed manual, the 2016 Forester only uses a serviceable clutch thrust/release bearing on manual-transmission variants. CVT models don’t have a clutch thrust/release bearing because they use a torque converter. Separately, every FB‑series engine (including the FB25 in the Forester) has a built‑in crankshaft thrust bearing as part of the main bearings, but that’s an internal engine item, not a routine service part.

Where it’s fitted (6‑speed manual models), the thrust-bearing—more commonly listed by Subaru as the clutch “release bearing”—lets the clutch disengage smoothly when the pedal’s pressed. It rides on the transmission’s input shaft sleeve and works with the release fork to push on the pressure plate’s diaphragm spring. The job is to stay quiet, run cool and transfer pedal force cleanly so gearchanges feel crisp and drama‑free.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval for the release bearing, it’s changed on condition or any time the clutch is replaced. Most techs recommend swapping it whenever the gearbox is out, because the labour to access it is the big cost. Typical clues it’s on the way out include a whirring, chirp or rumble that appears with the clutch pedal depressed and fades when the pedal’s released, a notchy pedal feel, or clutch engagement that feels rough.

Good servicing practice on a 2016 Forester manual includes:

• Replace the release bearing with the clutch kit, and inspect the pressure plate, friction disc and pilot/spigot bearing at the same time.
• Lightly lubricate the input shaft splines and the release fork pivot with high‑temp moly grease, don’t grease the sealed bearing face itself.
• Check the release fork, clips/springs and guide tube for wear, replace any tired hardware.
• If hydraulic, bleed the clutch circuit and confirm correct pedal free play and bite point.

Because the bearing lives inside the bellhousing, access requires removing the gearbox. Expect several hours of labour with the right equipment. If a noise persists with the pedal up rather than down, that points more to an input shaft bearing or another transmission issue, so proper diagnosis matters before pulling the ’box.

For CVT Foresters, a clutch thrust/release bearing isn’t used. The Lineartronic CVT (TR580/TR690 per Subaru documentation) relies on a torque converter and variator pulleys, so any driveline noise or engagement concern should be diagnosed within the CVT and its mounts, not a non‑existent clutch bearing.

• FAQs

Does a 2016 Forester with CVT have a thrust-bearing?
No. CVT models don’t use a clutch release/thrust bearing because they have a torque converter. The only “thrust bearing” present is the crankshaft thrust surface inside the engine, which isn’t a routine service item.

What are the signs of a worn thrust/release bearing on a manual Forester?
A tell‑tale whirring, chirp or rumble that appears when the clutch pedal is pressed and disappears when released is classic. You might also feel a rough or notchy pedal. If the noise happens with the pedal up, it’s more likely another transmission bearing.

Should the thrust/release bearing be greased?
The bearing is sealed and shouldn’t be greased. Only apply a light coat of high‑temp moly grease to the input shaft splines, the release fork pivot and contact points, following the Subaru service manual guidelines.