Parts for your 2001 Honda Accord-Thrust bearing

2001 Honda Accord thrust bearing — what it does and when to sort it

Yes, a thrust bearing is used on the 2001 Honda Accord. Technical sources including the Honda Accord 1998–2002 Service Manual (Helm) specify thrust washers integrated at the No. 5 main bearing to control crankshaft end play, with measurement and service limits given in the Engine Block—Crankshaft/Main Bearings section. The same manual’s clutch section also shows a release bearing (manual models), which some people casually call a “thrust bearing”. Honda’s electronic parts catalogues for F-series engines list the main bearing set with thrust washers as well.

On this Accord, the engine’s thrust bearing (thrust washers at the rear main journal) keeps the crankshaft centred, managing axial loads from the clutch (manual) or torque converter (auto), as well as belt and accessory loads. Keeping end play in spec prevents annoying driveline noises, erratic clutch engagement and premature wear on the crank and bearings.

This isn’t a routine service item like oil or filters, but it’s smart to keep an ear out and check end play during a clutch job or engine work. Typical warning signs include:

• A dull knock or scrape that changes when the clutch pedal is pressed (manual)
• Noticeable fore–aft movement at the crank pulley or harmonic balancer
• Metal in the oil and low idle oil pressure after a hard life or very high kilometres

Diagnosis is straightforward for a workshop: measure crankshaft end play with a dial gauge against the pulley while levering the crank back and forth. Honda’s spec for these engines is tight, if end play exceeds the service limit noted in the manual, it’s time to act.

Replacement is best done during an engine-out refresh, though experienced techs can sometimes do it in-car by dropping the sump and removing the rear main cap. The job involves inspecting the crank thrust faces, fitting new thrust washers and main bearings, checking oil clearances, and re-measuring end play. Correct orientation of the thrust washers, clean cap mating surfaces, assembly lube on install, and torqueing main cap bolts to Honda spec are all crucial. If the crank’s thrust face is scored or tapered, machining or crank replacement may be required. Fresh quality engine oil and a clean pickup screen help the new bearings live a long life.

For manual Accords, the separate clutch release bearing should be replaced whenever the clutch is out. It’s cheap insurance and avoids doing the labour twice.

Popular questions

Does a 2001 Honda Accord have a thrust bearing, and where is it?
Yes. The engine uses thrust washers at the No. 5 main bearing to control crankshaft end play. Manual-trans models also have a clutch release bearing that some refer to as a thrust bearing, but Honda calls it the release bearing. The engine thrust washers are inside the block at the rear main journal.

What are the signs of a worn thrust bearing on a 2001 Accord?
Look for a change in noise when pressing or releasing the clutch (manual), a light knock at idle, or visible crank pulley movement. A proper check is done with a dial gauge to measure end play against the spec in the service manual. Excessive end play means the thrust washers and often the main bearings need replacement.

Can the thrust bearing be replaced without pulling the engine?
Sometimes, yes, by dropping the sump and removing the rear main cap, but access is tight and not always practical. Most workshops prefer doing it during a clutch or engine rebuild so the crank thrust faces can be inspected properly and clearances set right.