Parts for your 1999 Daihatsu Gran move-Thrust bearing

1999 Daihatsu Gran Move thrust bearing — what it is, and when to replace it

For the 1999 Daihatsu Gran Move (also known as the Pyzar), a thrust bearing is relevant on vehicles with the 5‑speed manual gearbox. In Daihatsu’s workshop manual (CL—Clutch section) and the Daihatsu electronic parts catalogue for G303/G313 models, the clutch release bearing is specified and shown as part of the clutch assembly, many Australian and New Zealand parts catalogues (including clutch kit listings from major OE suppliers) also include a release/throw‑out bearing for this model. The 4‑speed automatic Gran Move does not use a clutch thrust bearing because it has a torque converter instead of a manual clutch.

On manual Gran Moves, the thrust bearing (commonly called the release or throw‑out bearing) sits on the gearbox input shaft sleeve and presses on the clutch pressure plate fingers when the pedal is pushed. Its job is simple but critical: convert the pedal force into smooth, low‑friction movement so the clutch can disengage cleanly for gear changes and idling at the lights. When healthy, it’s quiet and almost invisible to the driver, when tired, it can make every shift feel a bit agricultural.

Best practice is to replace the thrust bearing whenever the clutch is out—ideally as part of a complete clutch kit. It’s a sealed bearing, so there’s no periodic greasing, once it gets noisy or rough, it’s on borrowed time. During clutch service, it’s smart to inspect the clutch fork, pivot/ball, bearing guide tube, and the plastic clips, and to apply a light film of high‑temp grease to the fork pivot points and contact faces. Don’t over‑grease and don’t get grease on the friction surfaces. While the gearbox is out, also check the rear main seal and the gearbox input shaft seal for weeping.

Common signs the Gran Move’s thrust bearing is on the way out include:

• A whirring, chirp, or grinding noise that appears with the clutch pedal depressed and often fades when released
• A notchy or slightly grabby take‑up, sometimes felt through the pedal
• Difficulty selecting gears cleanly, especially first and reverse

On most Gran Move manuals the clutch is cable‑operated, so keeping pedal free‑play adjusted to spec in the service manual helps clutch life overall. Avoid resting a foot on the clutch while cruising, and if the car’s done a few hundred thousand kays, budget for a full clutch kit (cover, plate, and thrust bearing) rather than piecemeal parts. It saves doing the job twice and keeps the little Daihatsu shifting sweetly.

Popular questions about 1999 Daihatsu Gran Move thrust bearings

Does a 1999 Daihatsu Gran Move have a thrust bearing?
Yes, if it’s a 5‑speed manual. The manual transmission uses a clutch release (thrust) bearing as part of the clutch assembly. The 4‑speed automatic variant doesn’t use a clutch thrust bearing because it has a torque converter.

What noise does a failing thrust bearing make on a Gran Move?
Typically a whirring, chirp, or light grinding that starts when the clutch pedal is pressed and eases off when it’s released. It can be subtle at first and get louder over time, often most noticeable at idle in neutral with the pedal depressed.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced on its own?
It’s technically possible, but it’s far better to replace it with a full clutch kit while the gearbox is out. The extra parts cost is small compared with the labour saved, and it reduces the risk of needing to pull the ’box again if the pressure plate or disc is also worn.