Parts for your 2000 Toyota Rav4-Thrust bearing

2000 Toyota RAV4 Thrust Bearing – What’s fitted and what to do about it

Referencing Toyota technical literature, a thrust bearing is relevant on 2000 Toyota RAV4 models equipped with a manual transmission. The Toyota Repair Manual for RAV4 (2000–2005) identifies a clutch release (thrust) bearing in the Clutch section, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog lists the release bearing as a service part for manual models. The Engine Mechanical section also specifies crankshaft end play controlled by thrust bearing surfaces on a main bearing. Automatic-transmission RAV4s do not use a serviceable clutch thrust bearing, their thrust elements are internal to the transmission and not part of routine servicing.

On manual 2000 RAV4s, the thrust bearing is the clutch release bearing. Its job is simple but critical: when the driver presses the clutch pedal, the bearing allows axial load to be applied to the pressure plate smoothly and with minimal friction, so gears can be selected without graunching. It’s a small sealed bearing that only really earns its keep while the pedal’s down, but if it goes rough or dry, everyone hears about it.

Servicing-wise, there’s no set interval. The sensible move is to replace the release bearing whenever a clutch is being done. It adds peace of mind and saves paying for gearbox removal twice. A quality clutch kit will include a matching release bearing. During the job, it pays to check the release fork, pivot ball and the input shaft sleeve for wear, and to lightly lubricate the fork contact points and bearing carrier with a high-temp moly grease. The bearing itself is sealed, it shouldn’t be washed out, packed with grease, or spun up with air.

Typical hints that a RAV4’s thrust (release) bearing is on the way out include a whirring, chirp or rumble that appears with the clutch pedal depressed and fades when released. Pedal feel can turn notchy, and there may be a faint vibration at the pedal. If noise is present with the pedal up and disappears when it’s pressed, that can point more to the gearbox input bearing instead.

Most owners will see clutch life anywhere from 150,000 to 250,000 kilometres depending on driving. Riding the clutch at lights or holding the car on hills with the pedal partially depressed will shorten the release bearing’s happy life. For automatic 2000 RAV4s, a “thrust bearing” isn’t a service part—clutch-related noises don’t apply—though the engine still has internal thrust surfaces that aren’t normal maintenance items.

• Replace the thrust (release) bearing with the clutch kit
• Inspect fork, pivot, guide tube and clip, renew if worn
• Use only a light smear of appropriate grease on contact points
• If in doubt, follow torque specs and procedures in the Toyota Repair Manual

Popular questions

Does a 2000 RAV4 automatic have a thrust bearing to service?
Automatic models don’t have a serviceable clutch thrust (release) bearing. They use a torque converter, and any thrust elements inside the transmission are not part of routine maintenance. The engine still uses internal crankshaft thrust bearings, but these aren’t serviced unless the engine is being overhauled.

What are the signs of a failing thrust (release) bearing on a manual 2000 RAV4?
Expect a whirring, chirp or growl that appears only when the clutch pedal is pressed. Pedal feel may turn rough, and shifts can feel less sweet. If the noise is loudest with the pedal up and calms when pressed, that usually points away from the release bearing and towards gearbox bearings.

Should the thrust bearing be greased during installation?
The bearing itself is sealed and should not be packed with grease. Apply only a small amount of high-temperature moly grease to the release fork pivot, contact faces, and the bearing carrier/guide tube as specified in Toyota procedures. Over-greasing attracts grime and can cause clutch contamination.