Parts for your 2004 Honda Civic-Thrust bearing

2004 Honda Civic thrust-bearing — what it does and when to replace it

Yes, a thrust bearing is relevant to the 2004 Honda Civic. Technical references confirm it’s fitted in two contexts: the crankshaft thrust bearing surfaces are integrated into the main bearing set on the D17-series engine (as outlined in the Honda 2001–2005 Civic Factory Service Manual engine section and common engine bearing catalogues from ACL/Taiho), and manual-transmission models use a clutch release bearing (often called a thrust bearing in workshop slang), listed in Honda’s parts catalogues for the clutch assembly.

On this Civic, the thrust bearing has two jobs depending on where you’re looking. Inside the engine, the thrust surfaces of the No. 4 main bearing control crankshaft end-float, keeping the crank centred under clutch and accessory loads. That protects the crank, oil pump and transmission interface from axial movement. In manual models, the clutch release (thrust) bearing lets the pressure plate be disengaged smoothly when the driver presses the pedal, so shifts stay crisp and chatter-free.

Engine thrust bearings aren’t a regular service item, they’re inspected or replaced during bottom-end work or a rebuild. Good oil and on-time changes help them live a long life, because clean, correct-spec oil maintains the hydrodynamic film the bearings rely on. If the crank’s thrust bearing wears, drivers may notice a knock that changes when the clutch pedal is pressed, erratic clutch engagement, or visible crank pulley movement. A workshop will check axial end play with a dial indicator and compare to the service manual spec before deciding on replacement.

For manual Civics, the clutch release bearing is a wear item and should be replaced any time the gearbox is out for a clutch. Typical clues it’s on the way out include chirping or growling when the clutch pedal is depressed, a rough feel through the pedal, or engagement that’s notchy. When replacing, it’s smart practice to fit a complete clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing, and pilot/guide if applicable) to avoid paying labour twice. A light smear of high-temp moly grease on the release fork pivot and bearing contact points is fine, but over-greasing the bearing itself is a no-go—use it as supplied.

• Automatic 2004 Civics don’t have a clutch release bearing, but they still have the engine’s thrust bearing surfaces.
• If the pedal’s noisy only when pressed, think release bearing, if engine end play is out of spec, think crank thrust bearing.

Popular questions

What are the signs of a failing thrust bearing on a 2004 Civic?

For manuals, listen for chirping or a growl when the clutch pedal is pressed and a smoother sound when it’s released—that’s classic release bearing noise. A gritty pedal feel can join the party.

Engine thrust wear tends to show as a knock that changes when the pedal is dipped, or a mechanic may find excessive crankshaft end play during checks. Either way, it’s a workshop diagnosis job.

Should the release (thrust) bearing be replaced with the clutch?

Absolutely. The labour is the same to get the box out, so fitting a full clutch kit—including the release bearing—saves money and headaches. Most reputable kits for the 2004 Civic include the bearing for this reason.

Do automatic 2004 Civics have a thrust bearing?

They don’t have a clutch release bearing, but the engine still relies on thrust bearing surfaces in the main bearings to control crankshaft end-float. So, yes, there’s an engine thrust function even on autos, just not a clutch one.