The Geo Metro (1989-1997) was a rebadged Suzuki Cultus/Swift sold by GM's economy import brand Geo. After Geo brand discontinued for 1998, the Metro continued as Chevy Metro 1998-2001. Famous for fuel economy - Metro XFi achieved 50+ MPG making it one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars ever in US.
Engines: 1.0L G10 3-cylinder (49-55 HP, XFi/base) or 1.3L G13 4-cylinder (~70 HP, LSi/Convertible). Body styles: 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 2-door convertible (1st gen only).
Throwout bearing (clutch release bearing) is the manual transmission component that releases pressure plate when clutch pedal pressed. MANUAL TRANSMISSION ONLY - automatic Metros don't use throwout bearings. Cross-reference Suzuki Swift (US sibling), Pontiac Firefly (Canadian sibling), Chevy Metro (post-Geo continuation).
Geo Brand Context
Geo: GM economy import brand 1989-1997
Rebadged imports: All Geo vehicles from Suzuki/Toyota/Isuzu partners
Discontinuation: Geo brand ended 1998, vehicles continued as Chevrolet
Geo Metro donor: Suzuki Cultus/Swift
Geo Metro Coverage
1st Generation 1989-1994
Body styles: 3-door hatch, 4-door sedan, 2-door convertible
Engines: 1.0L G10 3-cyl, 1.3L G13 4-cyl
Notable: XFi fuel economy variant established
2nd Generation 1995-2001
Body styles: 3-door hatch, 4-door sedan (no convertible)
Engines: 1.0L G10 3-cyl, 1.3L G13 4-cyl continued
Brand transition: Geo 1995-1997, Chevy 1998-2001
Vehicle Compatibility
Direct Fit and Cross-Reference:
Vehicle
Compatibility
Geo Metro 1989-1994 (1st Gen)
All body styles
Geo Metro 1995-1997 (2nd Gen Geo era)
Hatch/sedan
Chevy Metro 1998-2001 (Post-Geo)
Identical to late Geo Metro
Cross-Reference Suzuki Swift 1989-2001
US sibling
Cross-Reference Pontiac Firefly
Canadian sibling
MANUAL TRANSMISSION ONLY
Automatic doesn't use throwout bearing
1.0L G10 3-Cylinder Compatible
XFi and base trim
1.3L G13 4-Cylinder Compatible
LSi and Convertible
NOT Compatible Automatic Metro
No clutch system
NOT Compatible Other Geo Models
Different vehicles
Condition and Inspection
Smooth operation verified no roughness, binding, or noise
Two Metro generations supported (1st 1989-1994, 2nd 1995-2001)
Chevy Metro continuation 1998-2001 supported
Famous fuel economy context (XFi 50+ MPG)
Both engine variants supported (1.0L G10, 1.3L G13)
All body styles (hatch, sedan, convertible)
Cross-reference Suzuki Swift US sibling
Cross-reference Pontiac Firefly Canadian sibling
Manual vs automatic transmission disclosure
Smooth operation verified
No binding confirmed
Authentic Suzuki/GM OEM
Geo/Suzuki specialist support
Complete clutch kit recommendation
Donor vehicle disclosed
Free shipping all 50 states
15 day replacement warranty
No core charge
Part Type
Throwout bearing (clutch release)
Vehicle Application
Geo Metro 1989-1997 + Chevy Metro 1998-2001
Brand Era
Geo (1989-1997), Chevy (1998-2001)
Donor Vehicle
Suzuki Cultus/Swift
Generation 1
1989-1994 (3 body styles)
Generation 2
1995-2001 (hatch + sedan)
Engine Options
1.0L G10 3-cyl or 1.3L G13 4-cyl
Xfi Fuel Economy
50+ MPG (one of most efficient non-hybrids)
Transmission
Manual only (automatic has no TC)
Approximate Weight
0.5 to 1 lb
Installation Difficulty
Moderate to significant 4-8 hours
Service Life
100,000-150,000 miles
Common Replacement
As part of complete clutch service
Donor Disclosed
Brand, generation, year, mileage
Price
$100.00
Constantine Veresov-Trefilov
Replaced throwout bearing on my 1995 Geo Metro XFi (1st gen with 1.0L G10 3-cyl and 5-speed manual transmission) during a complete clutch job at 175,000 miles. Vaz confirmed the Geo brand context (rebadged Suzuki Cultus/Swift) and 1st gen specifics. Sourced from a 1996 Suzuki Swift donor (US sibling cross-reference - much easier to source than direct Geo donor). Smooth operation verified, no binding. Installed with complete clutch kit. XFi still gets phenomenal MPG. The Geo-to-Suzuki cross-refer
Esperanza Villanueva-Castellanos
Bought throwout bearing for my 1999 Chevy Metro (post-Geo era continuation with 1.3L G13 4-cyl and manual transmission). Vaz emphasized the Geo brand discontinuation 1998 context and that the Chevy Metro 1998-2001 is the same vehicle as late Geo Metro just rebadged. Sourced from a 1997 Geo Metro donor (cross-reference late Geo/early Chevy directly compatible). One star off because shipping took 5 days instead of 3 due to weekend delay. Functionally everything works, and the brand transition expl
What was Geo and what happened to the brand?
Geo was General Motors' economy import brand from 1989-1997 (8 years). GM created Geo to compete in the small/economy car segment using rebadged imports from partners: Geo Metro = Suzuki Cultus/Swift, Geo Prizm = Toyota Corolla, Geo Spectrum = Isuzu Gemini, Geo Storm = Isuzu Impulse, Geo Tracker = Suzuki Sidekick. The Geo brand was discontinued for 1998 model year as GM consolidated the lineup into Chevrolet branding. Remaining Geo vehicles continued under Chevy badge: Chevy Metro 1998-2001, Chevy Prizm 1998-2002, Chevy Tracker 1998-2004.
My Geo Metro has automatic transmission. Do I need a throwout bearing?
NO. Automatic transmissions do NOT use throwout bearings (or clutch systems at all). Throwout bearings are exclusive to manual transmission vehicles for releasing the clutch pressure plate. If your Metro has automatic, you might need: torque converter, automatic transmission filter, valve body, solenoids - automatic-specific parts. Confirm your transmission type before ordering.
I have a Suzuki Swift. Will this Geo Metro part fit?
YES. The Suzuki Swift sold in US 1989-2001 was the SAME VEHICLE as the Geo Metro just with different badging. Both came from the Suzuki Cultus global platform. Throwout bearings cross-reference directly between Geo Metro and Suzuki Swift of same year. Same engine families (G10/G13), same transmission systems, same clutch components. Specify your Swift year and engine at order.
How was the Geo Metro XFi 50+ MPG?
Combination of factors: (1) Tiny 1.0L 3-cylinder engine producing only 49-55 HP - small displacement means low fuel consumption. (2) Lean-burn calibration on XFi specifically. (3) Taller final drive gearing reducing engine RPM at highway speed. (4) Lightweight construction (~1,800 lbs). (5) Aerodynamic 3-door hatchback body. (6) No power-robbing accessories on basic trim. The XFi was specifically engineered for fuel economy as the highest-rated trim. Some years achieved 55 MPG highway on EPA test. One of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars ever sold in US.
I have a Canadian Pontiac Firefly. Will this fit?
YES. The Pontiac Firefly (Canadian market) was the same vehicle as the Geo Metro and Suzuki Swift, just with Pontiac badging for GM Canada's brand strategy. Throwout bearing cross-references directly. Same Suzuki Cultus/Swift platform. Some Canadian buyers preferred Pontiac dealer service, hence the Canadian rebrand. Specify your Firefly year and engine.
How do I install a throwout bearing?
Significant work requiring transmission removal: (1) Disconnect battery, raise vehicle safely. (2) Drain transmission fluid. (3) Disconnect clutch hydraulic line (or mechanical cable) from slave cylinder. (4) Disconnect transmission electrical connections. (5) Support engine from above with engine support. (6) Remove driveshaft (RWD) or CV axles (FWD). (7) Remove transmission mount and bell housing bolts. (8) Lower transmission with transmission jack. (9) Replace throwout bearing on bellhousing or input shaft (varies by design). (10) STRONGLY RECOMMEND replacing entire clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, pilot bearing) while transmission is out. (11) Reverse to install. 4-8 hours typical at shop.
Should I replace just the throwout bearing or the entire clutch kit?
STRONGLY RECOMMEND complete clutch kit. When transmission is out (the hard part of the job), labor cost is committed. Replacing just one part means you may have to do this job again soon when another component fails. Complete clutch kit includes: (1) Clutch disc (friction material on splined hub), (2) Pressure plate (clamping mechanism), (3) Throwout bearing, (4) Pilot bearing (in flywheel center). Cost difference between $39 throwout bearing and complete kit ($80-150) is small compared to labor savings on not redoing the job. Resurface or replace flywheel also recommended.
How does shipping work?
Free shipping to all 50 US states. Throwout bearing weighs 0.5-1 lb in padded box. UPS or FedEx Ground. 3-7 business days. Bubble wrap, sleeve and bearing race protected.
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Covered:
Defects at delivery (rough operation, binding, broken components)
Not Covered:
Damage from improper installation
Damage from incorrect clutch system component compatibility
Normal wear
Labor costs. strongly recommend replacing entire clutch kit when transmission is out for service
Contact (240) 301-0095 within 15 days.
For Geo Metro and Chevy Metro Continuation: 1989-2001 coverage
Smooth operation verified: no roughness, binding, or noise
Fitment Verified: Confirm by VIN before order
Photos Available on Request: Actual unit condition
