Parts for your 2018 Subaru Forester-Thrust bearing

2018 Subaru Forester thrust-bearing — is it actually a thing?

Short answer: for Australian and New Zealand–delivered 2018 Subaru Forester (SJ) models, a thrust-bearing as a separate, serviceable clutch part isn’t used. These MY18 cars are fitted with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT (TR580), which doesn’t have a conventional clutch or a clutch release/“thrust”/throwout bearing. That’s clear from the Subaru Forester SJ Workshop Manual (Transmission: CVT TR580), the Subaru Australia and Subaru New Zealand MY18 spec sheets, and the Subaru FAST parts catalogue, all of which show no clutch release bearing on CVT-equipped vehicles.

What people often call a “thrust-bearing” in everyday workshop chat is the clutch release/throwout bearing found on manual transmissions. Because the 2018 AU/NZ Forester uses a CVT with a torque converter, there’s no pedal-operated clutch assembly and therefore no release bearing to replace or maintain (Subaru Forester SJ Workshop Manual—CVT TR580, Subaru AU/NZ model specifications).

Important nuance: the Forester’s FB-series engine does have a crankshaft thrust bearing integrated into the main bearing set (FB25/FB20 Engine section of the Forester SJ Service Manual). That part controls crank end-float, but it’s internal to the engine and not a routine service item. It’s only inspected or replaced during an engine rebuild or bottom-end repair.

• CVT = no clutch release/“thrust” bearing to service or replace.
• Any thrust-type bearings inside the CVT are internal, specialist-only items, not scheduled maintenance parts (CVT TR580 service literature).
• The engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing exists but isn’t part of normal servicing.

If a parts site lists a “thrust-bearing” for a 2018 Forester, it’s usually either a generic listing, a manual-gearbox part for other markets, or it’s referring to internal CVT components not sold as regular service parts. If the vehicle happens to be a privately imported or earlier manual SJ with a 6‑speed, then a conventional clutch release bearing applies—best to confirm by VIN with a Subaru dealer or the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS).

Hearing a whirr or rumble and thinking “thrust bearing”? On CVT Foresters, look instead to ancillary bearings (idler pulleys, alternator, A/C compressor), wheel bearings, or CVT-related noises. A qualified technician can road test and listen under the bonnet to pinpoint the source before any parts are ordered.

• Does a 2018 Subaru Forester have a clutch thrust/throwout bearing?
  On Australian and New Zealand 2018 models with the Lineartronic CVT (TR580), no. There’s no manual clutch, so there’s no release/throwout bearing to service or replace.
• Does the engine have a thrust bearing and does it need servicing?
  Yes, the FB-series engine uses an integrated crankshaft thrust bearing within the main bearings, but it’s not a routine maintenance item—only addressed during engine rebuild work.
• What noises might be mistaken for a thrust bearing on a CVT Forester?
  Common culprits include accessory drive idler bearings, alternator or A/C compressor bearings, wheel bearings, or CVT-related whine. A proper inspection will sort which one it is.