Parts for your 2020 Mazda Cx-5-Thrust bearing

2020 Mazda CX‑5 thrust bearing — is it actually a thing?

Short answer: there isn’t a stand‑alone “thrust bearing” service part on a 2020 Mazda CX‑5 sold in Australia or New Zealand. Every 2020 CX‑5 here runs a 6‑speed Skyactiv‑Drive automatic, so there’s no manual clutch release/thrust bearing to replace. Any thrust bearings that do exist are internal components — mainly the engine’s crankshaft thrust surfaces and elements inside the auto transmission — and they’re not routine service items.

This isn’t just hearsay. Technical sources show the story clearly: the Mazda CX‑5 (KF) Workshop Manual for the Skyactiv‑G engines describes the crankshaft thrust function as integrated with the main bearings (typically the No. 3 journal). Mazda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue lists main bearing sets for the engine (with thrust faces included) but no external clutch release bearing for 2020 CX‑5 because there’s no manual gearbox. Local specification sheets from Mazda Australia and Mazda New Zealand for Model Year 2020 confirm a 6‑speed automatic across the range.

Why “thrust bearing” isn’t used as a separate part name on this model:

• Automatic transmission: A torque converter and internal clutch packs mean there’s no external clutch release/thrust bearing to service.
• Engine design: The crankshaft’s axial control is via thrust faces built into a main bearing shell — only addressed during an engine rebuild or bottom‑end repair, not regular servicing.
• Suspension note: Front strut top mounts do contain a bearing for steering rotation, but it’s referred to as a strut mount/mounting bearing rather than a thrust bearing.

When might “thrust bearing” come up on a CX‑5?

1. Engine rebuilds: Measuring crank end‑float and replacing main bearings with integrated thrust faces if wear is out of spec.
2. Automatic transmission overhauls: Specialist work only, with internal thrust elements addressed during a full teardown.

If someone’s hunting for a “thrust bearing” due to noises or driveline feel, it’s worth double‑checking what part’s actually needed. For clutch‑type noises on a manual — not applicable here. For steering notchiness, look at the front strut mount bearings. For drivetrain issues, focus on correct engine oil, timely transmission fluid service (where applicable by Mazda guidance), and prompt diagnosis of any end‑float or trans noises by a Mazda‑savvy technician.

Referenced technical sources: Mazda CX‑5 (KF) Workshop Manual — Engine (Skyactiv‑G) crankshaft and main bearing sections, Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue (KF, MY2020) — powertrain listings, Mazda Australia and Mazda New Zealand MY2020 specification guides confirming 6‑speed automatic only.

• Does a 2020 Mazda CX‑5 have a thrust bearing?
  Yes, but only internally. The engine’s crankshaft thrust function is part of the main bearing set, and the auto transmission has internal thrust elements. There’s no separate, external “thrust bearing” to service.
• Can a thrust bearing wear out on a 2020 CX‑5?
  Engine thrust surfaces can wear, but it’s uncommon without underlying issues (oil starvation, severe load, or high kilometres). If end‑float is out of spec, it’s an engine‑out bottom‑end job, not a routine service.
• I’m hearing a bearing noise — could it be a thrust bearing?
  On this model it’s more likely a belt idler, alternator, A/C compressor clutch hub, wheel hub, or a front strut mount bearing. A proper inspection will pinpoint the source before any parts ordering.

Popular questions about 2020 Mazda CX‑5 thrust bearing

Does the 2020 CX‑5 need thrust bearing replacement during servicing?
No. There’s no scheduled replacement. The engine’s thrust function is part of the main bearings and is only addressed during an engine rebuild or major repair.

What symptoms point to crankshaft thrust bearing wear?
Excessive crank end‑float, noticeable crank pulley fore‑aft movement, difficulty maintaining consistent torque converter engagement, or abnormal noises under axial load. Diagnosis requires measurement against workshop manual specs.

Is there a clutch release (thrust) bearing on the 2020 CX‑5?
No. All local 2020 CX‑5 variants are 6‑speed automatics, so there’s no manual clutch release bearing in the driveline.