Parts for your 2000 Toyota Bb-Thrust bearing

2000 Toyota bB thrust bearing — is it fitted or needed?

Based on Toyota’s own technical literature, a clutch thrust bearing (often called a release or throwout bearing) is not fitted to the 2000 Toyota bB. The Toyota New Car Features (NCF) for the NCP30/31 series, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for 2000 production, and the Repair Manual sections covering the U340E automatic transaxle all specify the 2000 bB as launching with 1NZ-FE/2NZ-FE engines mated to a 4‑speed Super ECT automatic. Because there’s no manual clutch, there’s no clutch release/thrust bearing shown in the parts listings for this model year and series.

That’s why a standalone “thrust bearing” isn’t relevant for routine servicing of a 2000 bB. In a manual, the release bearing rides the clutch fork and presses on the pressure plate fingers when you step on the clutch pedal. The 2000 bB’s torque converter and hydraulic controls do that driveline coupling work instead, so there’s no external clutch hardware to maintain or replace.

Worth noting: the vehicle does contain thrust-type components elsewhere, but they’re internal and not normal service items. Examples include crankshaft thrust washers in the 1NZ‑FE/2NZ‑FE engine and needle/thrust bearings inside the U340E automatic. These are handled during engine or transmission overhaul, not as part of regular maintenance.

If someone’s chasing a “thrust bearing noise” on a 2000 bB, it’s usually a case of mistaken identity. Common culprits include:

• Front wheel bearings humming with road speed
• Serpentine belt idler/tensioner bearings chirping or grinding
• Automatic transaxle pump or torque converter whine when hot
• Air‑con compressor clutch bearing noise with A/C on

For a tidy diagnosis, listen under the bonnet with the car safely parked: does the noise change with engine revs in Neutral, or only with vehicle speed? A tech with a stethoscope and scan data can quickly sort whether it’s accessory drive, hub bearings, or the auto trans. Following Toyota’s maintenance schedule—fresh ATF where applicable, correct belt tension, and timely wheel bearing checks—helps keep the bB running sweet as, without chasing a clutch thrust bearing that simply isn’t there.

Does a 2000 Toyota bB have a clutch thrust/release bearing?

No. Toyota’s NCF and EPC for the NCP30/31 bB specify a U340E 4‑speed automatic for 2000, so there’s no manual clutch assembly and no release/thrust bearing to service.

What noises get mistaken for a failed thrust bearing on a bB?

Most often it’s wheel bearings, a belt idler/tensioner, or the A/C compressor clutch. On autos, a light whine can also be the trans pump or torque converter, especially when the fluid’s tired or low.

Are there any thrust bearings on the engine?

Yes—crankshaft thrust washers control end float in the 1NZ‑FE/2NZ‑FE. They’re internal, checked during engine rebuilds, and not a routine service item.