Parts for your 2000 Nissan Bluebird-Thrust bearing

2000 Nissan Bluebird thrust-bearing — what it is and when to sort it

Based on Nissan factory service documentation for the Bluebird range (U14 platform, CL and EM sections) and Nissan parts catalogues for 5‑speed models, the 2000 Nissan Bluebird does use thrust bearings: a clutch release bearing (commonly called a thrust bearing) on manual-transmission cars, and crankshaft thrust bearings inside the engine on all variants. That means “thrust-bearing” is relevant to this model, with the clutch release bearing being the bit most owners encounter during servicing or clutch work.

In everyday terms, the clutch thrust bearing lets the clutch pedal smoothly push on the pressure plate, disconnecting the engine from the gearbox without noisy metal-on-metal grief. When healthy, it’s quiet and forgettable. When it’s on the way out, drivers may notice a whirring or growl with the pedal pressed, a rough or notchy pedal feel, or a squeal that changes as the pedal’s feathered. Left too long, it can chew out the input shaft sleeve and stress the clutch fork and pivot.

Best practice on a 2000 Bluebird manual is to replace the thrust bearing whenever the clutch is out — it’s a gearbox-out job either way, so fitting a complete clutch kit (pressure plate, friction disc, release/thrust bearing, and pilot bush if fitted) saves a repeat pull. During the job, the tech should:

• Inspect the clutch fork, pivot ball and release arm for wear or cracks, replace if sloppy.
• Check the input shaft guide/snout for scoring, a worn snout will shred a new bearing.
• Lightly grease the bearing carrier and fork contact points with high-temp moly grease, don’t over-grease the bearing face.
• Verify slave cylinder condition and pedal free play, hydraulics that don’t fully release the clutch will prematurely load the bearing.

On all engines, the crankshaft uses thrust bearing faces to control end float. Excessive end float can show up as a knock when the clutch is depressed or odd clutch engagement. During major service or rebuilds, checking crank end float with a dial indicator and ensuring proper oil quality helps keep those thrust faces happy.

Automatics don’t have a clutch thrust/release bearing, but they still rely on the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearings. For owners chasing reliability, stick to quality OE-equivalent parts, refresh the clutch hydraulics if they’re tired, and avoid riding the clutch at lights — the thrust bearing will thank them.

FAQs

Does every 2000 Nissan Bluebird have a thrust bearing?
Manual models have a clutch release (thrust) bearing, and all engines have crankshaft thrust bearings. Automatic cars won’t have the clutch thrust bearing, but the engine thrust bearings are still present.

What are the signs the Bluebird’s clutch thrust bearing is failing?
Common signs include a whirring or growling noise when the clutch pedal is pressed, a rough or pulsating pedal, and noise that changes as the pedal travel changes. If the noise is present with the pedal released and disappears when pressed, the issue may be elsewhere (e.g., gearbox input shaft bearing).

Should the thrust bearing be replaced on its own?
It can be, but because the gearbox has to come out, it’s sensible to fit a full clutch kit and inspect the fork, pivot, and input shaft sleeve. This approach is typically cheaper in the long run and more reliable.