Parts for your 2019 Subaru Impreza-Thrust bearing

2019 Subaru Impreza thrust-bearing — what owners should know

Based on Subaru’s technical literature, a 2019 Subaru Impreza does use thrust-bearings. The FB20 petrol engine fitted to this model incorporates a crankshaft thrust-bearing as part of the main bearing set to control end-float. Manual-transmission variants also use a clutch release bearing (often casually called a thrust or throwout bearing). CVT models don’t have a clutch release bearing. Sources: Subaru Factory Service Manual – FB20 Engine (Crankshaft/Main Bearings), Subaru 5MT Clutch & Transmission Service Manual, and Subaru TR580 Lineartronic (CVT) Service Guide available via Subaru’s technical information system.

On the engine side, the thrust-bearing’s job is to handle axial loads on the crankshaft so it can spin true without walking forwards and back. It keeps end-float within spec, which protects the timing drive, oil pump, and bearings, and avoids nasty side-effects like belt misalignment or irregular idle. In normal use it’s bathed in engine oil and isn’t a scheduled service item, but good oil quality and the correct grade help it live a long life.

Manual-transmission models add a second “thrust-type” piece in everyday language: the clutch release bearing. It rides on the clutch fork and presses the pressure plate fingers when the pedal’s down. Its purpose is smooth, quiet clutch engagement and disengagement. If it’s noisy, scratchy, or squeals when the pedal is pressed, it’s due for replacement.

Servicing advice for owners and workshops:

• Engine thrust-bearing: No routine replacement interval. Keep to oil change schedules and the specified oil grade. Investigate if there’s fore–aft movement at the crank pulley, metal in the oil, or odd contact noises that change when the clutch is pressed (manuals). End-float is checked against Subaru specs during engine work, bearing replacement requires engine disassembly and should be done with proper measurements and cleanliness.
• Manual clutch release bearing: Treat it as a consumable. Replace it whenever the clutch is replaced, or earlier if it rumbles or squeals with the pedal down. Use a quality bearing, check fork pivot condition, and set pedal free-play correctly. Avoid resting a foot on the pedal and don’t ride the clutch — both add axial load to the engine thrust-bearing and wear the release bearing.

For CVT-equipped Impreza models, there’s no clutch release bearing to service, but the engine’s thrust-bearing still does its quiet, essential work in the background.

Popular questions

Does a 2019 Subaru Impreza have a thrust-bearing?
Yes. Every 2019 Impreza with the FB20 engine has a crankshaft thrust-bearing. If it’s a manual, it also has a clutch release (throwout) bearing that some techs call a thrust-bearing. CVT models skip the clutch release bearing but still have the engine thrust-bearing.

What are the signs of a failing thrust-bearing on a 2019 Impreza?
Engine thrust issues can show up as visible fore–aft movement of the crank pulley, odd scraping noises, or metal in the oil. A failing clutch release bearing makes a squeal or rumble with the clutch pedal pressed, which often quietens when the pedal is released.

Should the thrust-bearing be replaced during routine servicing?
The engine thrust-bearing isn’t a routine service item and is only addressed during engine repairs if end-float is out of spec. The clutch release bearing should be replaced whenever the clutch is done, or sooner if it’s noisy.