Parts for your 2002 Toyota Bb-Thrust bearing

2002 Toyota bB thrust-bearing — is it actually used?

Chasing a thrust-bearing for a 2002 Toyota bB? Here’s the straight answer: on most 2002 bB imports seen in Australia and New Zealand — the ones running the Aisin U340E 4‑speed automatic — a clutch thrust-bearing (also called a release or throwout bearing) isn’t fitted or needed. That’s because the auto uses a torque converter and hydraulic control, not a manual clutch. This setup is confirmed in Toyota’s NCP30/31 series repair manual (Automatic Transaxle: U340E) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, which list no clutch release bearing for the automatic models.

Worth noting: the engine itself (1NZ‑FE/2NZ‑FE) does have internal crankshaft thrust bearings/washers, but they’re part of the bottom end and not a normal service item. When people search “thrust-bearing” for this car, they almost always mean the clutch release bearing — and that’s only relevant to the manual bB.

There were limited 5‑speed manual bB variants (C56 manual transaxle). For those, a clutch release/thrust-bearing is absolutely used, and it’s the bit that presses on the pressure plate fingers when the clutch pedal’s down. Toyota’s manual transaxle and clutch sections, plus the EPC, show the release bearing as a separate service part on C56-equipped cars.

• How to check what you’ve got:
  • Shifter has P‑R‑N‑D and no clutch pedal? It’s the U340E auto — no thrust-bearing to service.
  • Five forward gears and a clutch pedal? It’s the C56 manual — a release/thrust-bearing applies.
  • Build plate or paperwork showing “U340E” (auto) or “C56” (manual) helps confirm.

For auto owners: there’s no thrust-bearing to replace as part of regular servicing. If there’s driveline noise, look elsewhere — accessory pulleys, hub bearings, or, in rarer cases, torque converter or internal trans bearings. A proper diagnosis saves guesswork.

For manual owners: the release/thrust-bearing is typically replaced whenever the clutch is done. Common signs it’s tired include a chirp or rumble that changes when the clutch pedal is pressed, or a notchy pedal feel. Most clutch kits include a new bearing, which is the preferred approach.

• Does a 2002 Toyota bB have a thrust-bearing?
  Most 2002 bB examples in AU/NZ are automatic and don’t use a clutch thrust-bearing. Manual C56 versions do — it’s the clutch release bearing. This aligns with Toyota’s NCP30/31 repair manual and the Toyota EPC parts listings.
• How can someone tell if their bB needs a thrust-bearing?
  If it’s got P‑R‑N‑D and no clutch pedal, there’s no thrust-bearing to service. If it’s a 5‑speed with a clutch pedal (C56), a release/thrust-bearing applies. The transmission code on the build plate or paperwork also confirms it.
• When should the thrust-bearing be replaced on a manual bB?
  Replace it when doing the clutch. Noisy operation when pressing the pedal, a rough pedal feel, or clutch chatter are typical cues. Most quality clutch kits include a new release/thrust-bearing.