Parts for your 2003 Honda Cr-v-Thrust bearing

2003 Honda CR‑V thrust-bearing

Yes, a thrust-bearing is used on the 2003 Honda CR‑V. Technical sources including the Honda CR‑V (2002–2004) Workshop/Service Manual and Honda’s parts catalog (EPC) show the K24A1 engine uses crankshaft thrust-bearing surfaces integrated at a main bearing (commonly at the centre main). The manual-transmission variant also uses a clutch release (thrust) bearing. The automatic transmission contains internal thrust washers/bearings as part of its geartrain support. So “thrust-bearing” is absolutely relevant on this model.

On the 2003 CR‑V’s K‑series four-cylinder, the engine’s thrust-bearing controls crankshaft end float, keeping the crank centred under axial loads from the clutch, accessory belt forces and drivetrain. That axial control prevents crank-walk, protects the oil pump and timing components, and keeps the gearbox input side happy. It’s built into the main bearing set (often called thrust washers or thrust faces on a specific main journal), bathed in engine oil and designed to last the life of the motor if oil quality and levels are kept on point.

There’s no routine replacement interval for the engine thrust-bearing, it’s condition-based. A good workshop will check crankshaft end play any time the sump is off, the bottom end is open, or the engine is out for other work. If end float is out of spec, the fix is to renew the relevant main bearing/thrust washer set and re-measure. Follow Honda workshop procedures for cleanliness, inspection, and torque/angle settings.

• Common clues it’s tired: metallic glitter in oil, end float out of spec, unusual noise that changes with clutch use, or clutch engagement feel that’s a bit off (on manuals).
• Best prevention: regular oil changes with the correct viscosity and a quality filter, avoiding clutch riding, and sorting misaligned belts or harsh driveline shocks quickly.

Don’t mix it up with the clutch release bearing on manual CR‑Vs. That release bearing is a thrust‑type component too, but it lives in the bellhousing and is replaced with the clutch kit. If there’s noise only when the clutch pedal is pressed, the release bearing is the usual suspect. If end float measures excessive regardless of pedal position, look at the engine thrust-bearing.

• Service tip: When doing a clutch on a manual CR‑V, check crank end float while you’re there. When dropping the oil pan for any reason, inspect bearing condition, measure end play, and verify oil pressure is healthy post‑repair.
• For automatics, fresh fluid at the recommended interval helps protect internal thrust elements in the transmission.

Popular questions about 2003 Honda CR‑V thrust-bearing

Where is the thrust-bearing on a 2003 CR‑V?
It’s part of the engine’s main bearing assembly, providing thrust faces on a specific main journal of the K24A1 crankshaft. On manual models there’s also a clutch release (thrust) bearing inside the bellhousing, which is separate from the engine’s thrust-bearing.

How do mechanics check if the thrust-bearing needs attention?
They measure crankshaft end float with a dial indicator against the crank pulley or flywheel, comparing to Honda specifications in the workshop manual. If out of spec, the main bearing/thrust faces are renewed and clearances rechecked. Any metal debris in the sump or abnormal clutch-related noises will also prompt an inspection.

Should the thrust-bearing be replaced during a clutch job?
Not by default. The clutch release bearing should be replaced with the clutch kit on manuals. The engine thrust-bearing is only replaced if end play is out of spec or there’s evidence of wear when the bottom end is inspected.