Parts for your 2002 Honda Fit-Thrust bearing

2002 Honda Fit thrust bearing: what it does and when to service it

Yes, the 2002 Honda Fit (GD-series, L13A/L15A) uses thrust bearings. The engine’s crankshaft runs thrust bearings integrated into the centre main bearing to control end-float, and manual-transmission models also use a clutch release bearing that many techs casually call a “thrust bearing”. This is documented in the Honda Fit/Jazz 2001–2008 Service Manual (Engine Block and Clutch sections) and shown in Honda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue, which lists crankshaft thrust bearing shells/washers and the clutch release bearing for GD1/GD3 models.

On this little Honda, the crankshaft thrust bearing keeps the crank located fore and aft, so it doesn’t shuffle under clutch or accessory loads. That matters for smooth shifting, consistent idle with the clutch pressed, and long-term health of the block and crank journals. The clutch release bearing (manual only) is the rotating bearing that presses on the pressure plate fingers when the driver dips the pedal. CVT-equipped Fits don’t have a conventional clutch release bearing, their thrust bearings live inside the transmission and aren’t routine service items.

For most owners, the engine thrust bearing is a “fit and forget” part—checked if there’s a reason (noise, metal in oil, or odd clutch-related idle changes) or during a rebuild. End-float is measured with a dial indicator at the crank pulley and compared to the Honda spec in the workshop manual. Excess play points to thrust face wear, often made worse by riding the clutch, heavy clutch kits, or chronic axial loads.

Manual Fit drivers should treat the release bearing as a consumable. Best practice is to replace it whenever the clutch is done, even if it’s quiet—parts are affordable and the gearbox is already out. Tell-tale signs it’s on the way out include a whirring or growl with the clutch pedal depressed that fades when released, or a rough, notchy feel through the pedal. Quality OE-spec bearings and proper grease on the release fork pivot and input shaft sleeve go a long way to quiet, long-lived operation.

• Good habits: don’t sit at lights with the clutch held in, select neutral and release the pedal.
• Service tips: inspect the release fork, clip and guide surfaces, replace any scored or loose bits.
• Intervals: pair the release bearing with each clutch replacement (often 120–200,000 km, usage dependent).

If a shop finds excessive crank end-float, they’ll confirm against the Honda spec, inspect oil condition, and plan bearing service—with attention to crank and block thrust faces before simply popping in new shells.

Popular questions about 2002 Honda Fit thrust bearings

Does a 2002 Honda Fit have a thrust bearing, and where is it?
Yes. Every 2002 Fit has engine crankshaft thrust bearings integrated into the centre main bearing. Manual models also have a clutch release (“thrust”) bearing at the transmission bellhousing, acting on the pressure plate fingers when the pedal is pressed. CVT models lack the clutch release bearing but still rely on internal transmission thrust bearings that aren’t regular service items.

What symptoms point to a worn thrust bearing on a 2002 Fit?
For the clutch release bearing: a whirring, chirp or growl only when the clutch pedal is depressed, plus a rough pedal feel. For the engine thrust bearing: noticeable crank end-play effects such as idle speed change when pressing the clutch, contact noises, or abnormal metal in the oil. Proper diagnosis involves measuring end-float with a dial gauge and following the Honda manual.

When should the thrust bearing be replaced, and what does it cost?
Replace the clutch release bearing with every clutch kit—labour overlaps, so it’s cheap insurance. Costs vary by region and parts choice, but the bearing itself is modest, the bulk is labour for gearbox removal. Engine thrust bearings are replaced during an overhaul or if end-float is out of spec, that job requires sump and bearing cap access and inspection of thrust faces before fitment.