Parts for your 2000 Nissan Navara-Thrust bearing

2000 Nissan Navara thrust-bearing

Yes, a thrust-bearing is used on the 2000 Nissan Navara (D22). Manual-transmission models are fitted with a clutch release (thrust) bearing, and all engines in this generation have crankshaft thrust faces within the main bearings. This is documented in the Nissan Navara D22 Service Manual—CL (Clutch) section identifies the release bearing as part of the clutch assembly, while the EM (Engine Mechanical) section describes crankshaft end thrust control. Aftermarket technical catalogues, such as Exedy Australia’s listings for D22 clutch kits, also include the release/thrust bearing with the kit components.

For owners and techs, the thrust-bearing of everyday interest is the clutch release bearing. Its job is simple but vital: it transfers the push from the clutch fork and slave cylinder into smooth, low-friction contact on the pressure plate’s diaphragm fingers so the clutch can disengage cleanly. When it’s healthy, gearchanges feel easy and quiet. When it’s tired, they can get noisy, grabby, or rough.

Typical signs it’s on the way out include a whirring, squeal, or rumble that appears with the clutch pedal depressed and disappears when released. Pedal feel may turn notchy, and the clutch can shudder taking off. On a 2000 Navara used for towing or off-road, that wear can arrive sooner thanks to heat and dust.

Replacement is straight-up: the gearbox comes out, so it’s smart to do the whole clutch while you’re there—pressure plate, friction disc, release (thrust) bearing, and pilot/ spigot bush. On reassembly, a few practical tips help the new bearing live a long life:

• Lightly grease the bearing carrier snout/guide tube and clutch fork contact points with a high-temp moly grease—go sparingly and never grease the bearing face.
• Inspect the fork, pivot ball, guide tube and the input shaft seal, replace any worn or leaking parts.
• Bleed the hydraulic system properly and confirm pedal height/free play to spec. Most D22 setups are self-adjusting but still need a good bleed.

There’s no fixed kilometre interval for a release bearing, it’s “inspect/replace on condition.” If the box is out for any reason, fitting a fresh bearing is cheap insurance. Driving habits matter too—don’t ride the clutch and sit in neutral at the lights rather than holding the pedal down. That simple stuff keeps the thrust-bearing cooler and quieter for years.

Technical sources referenced:

• Nissan Navara D22 Service Manual – CL (Clutch) section: shows the clutch release (thrust) bearing as a service part.
• Nissan Navara D22 Service Manual – EM (Engine Mechanical) section: details crankshaft main bearing thrust faces and end-play control.
• Exedy Australia clutch catalogue for Navara D22: clutch kits list the release/thrust bearing as included.

Popular questions about 2000 Nissan Navara thrust-bearing

How do you tell if the thrust-bearing is failing on a 2000 Navara?
Listen for a squeal, chirp, or rumble that starts when the clutch pedal is pressed and stops when it’s released. You might also feel a rough or notchy pedal and notice shudder on take-off. If noise is present only with the pedal down, the release (thrust) bearing is a prime suspect.

Should the thrust-bearing be replaced on its own or with the clutch?
Best practice is to replace it with the full clutch kit while the gearbox is out. Labour is the big cost, so doing the pressure plate, friction disc, release bearing, and the pilot bush together saves time and avoids pulling the box again soon after.

Do automatic 2000 Navaras have a thrust-bearing?
They don’t have a clutch release (thrust) bearing because there’s no manual clutch. However, the engine still uses crankshaft thrust faces in the main bearings to control end float—these aren’t routine service items unless the engine is being rebuilt.