Understanding Your Clutch Throw-Out Bearing

January 15th, 2026

Automobiles have never been simple machines, and they've only gotten more and more complicated as the years and decades have gone by. That's why it takes so much study and practice to become an automotive mechanic. So if you're not an auto mechanic, we at Capitol Subaru in Salem, Oregon have taken the time to create some webpages that help you understand some of the more critical components of your vehicle. We see it as our responsibility to keep you well-informed on every important aspect of selecting, buying, financing, owning, and maintaining any car or SUV you purchase from us.

What It Is and How It Works

While it might sound like another term for trash, the throw-out bearing in your clutch is a very valuable part of every motor vehicle, whether it uses a manual transmission or an automatic transmission. That might be why it's sometimes called a release bearing, instead. That's also because its purpose in the transmission is to release the engine from the transmission's gears when the clutch is engaged. It does this by pressing on the finger-like tabs of the pressure plate in the clutch. That pushes the pressure plate away from the spinning flywheel, which is powered by the engine.

When It Doesn't Work…

There are a few signs that something might be wrong with your throw out bearing or release bearing isn't functioning quite properly. If you notice any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to bring your vehicle in for an evaluation and whatever adjustments or repairs might be necessary.

• There is a whining, chirping, or grinding noise that starts or gets louder when you press down on the clutch pedal, and usually stops when you let it back up.
• You hear a rattling noise when you have the gearshift in neutral and release the pedal.
• A vibration or pulsing feeling in the clutch pedal.
• The clutch pedal is difficult to press in, or is stiffer than it usually is.
• The clutch pedal lacks feedback, making it feel spongy.
• The engine RPMs increase but the vehicle's speed doesn't. This is likely because the transmission has slipped out of gear; even if it slips back in again.
• There is a grinding sound, and/or a grinding feeling in the stick shift when you change gears. That's due to several metal components of the transmission colliding with each other at high speeds and pressures… which is exactly as bad as it sounds.

Of course, the best time to fix any mechanical problem is before it begins. That's why Capitol Subaru will keep track of all the work we do on your vehicle, plus all the regular inspections and maintenance that Subaru recommends. And when the time for another inspection or maintenance is getting close, we'll happily send you a friendly reminder, so you can stay ahead of complications, and keep enjoying the durability that has made Subaru world renowned.

…Take It to Capitol Subaru

In the service department at Capitol Subaru in Salem, OR, every single technician has been trained and certified by Subaru itself. This means nobody understands your exact model and year of Subaru better than they do. From the clutch release bearing to the license plate illumination bulb and everything in-between. And unlike many generic automotive shops, we use only genuine Subaru parts, accessories, and fluids. That means that every component of your Subaru will be the exact same as the ones that were engineered and built to deliver the kind of performance and longevity that are one of the greatest hallmarks of Subaru vehicles.