Parts for your 2004 Nissan Navara-Thrust bearing

2004 Nissan Navara thrust-bearing: what it is and when it matters

Based on technical literature – including the Nissan factory service manuals for D22/D40 (Clutch and Engine chapters), Exedy AU/NZ clutch catalogues, and major bearing catalogues from OEM suppliers like NSK/NTN – the 2004 Nissan Navara does use thrust bearings. In a manual-trans Navara, the clutch release bearing is commonly called the thrust bearing. The engine also uses crankshaft thrust bearings within the main bearing set to control end-float. So, for this model, a thrust-bearing is very much relevant.

On a 2004 Navara with a manual gearbox, the clutch thrust (release) bearing sits on the gearbox input shaft sleeve and pushes on the pressure plate’s diaphragm when the clutch pedal is pressed. Its job is simple but critical: convert the pedal action into smooth, axial force so gears can be selected without graunching. It’s a sealed unit, designed to run quietly under load, any rumble, squeal, or shudder when the pedal is depressed points to wear.

There’s no routine service for the thrust bearing itself – it’s replaced, not greased. Best practice is to fit a complete clutch kit (pressure plate, friction disc, release/thrust bearing, and usually spigot/pilot bearing) whenever the gearbox is out. While there, a good technician will check the clutch fork, pivot ball, guide tube, and input shaft for wear, lightly lubricate the fork contact points with a high-temp moly grease, inspect or machine the flywheel, and bleed the clutch hydraulics. After refit, a sensible bed-in of 500–800 km with minimal slipping helps the lot settle nicely.

• Common signs it’s due: a growl or chirp with the pedal down, vibration in the pedal, a dragging clutch, or hard shifting.
• Driving that heats the clutch – towing, sand work, stop–start traffic – accelerates wear.
• Autos don’t have an external clutch thrust bearing, the reference part for automatics is internal to the transmission.

Owners chasing reliability should opt for quality components (OE-equivalent) and replace the thrust bearing any time the clutch is renewed. It’s a small part that makes a big difference to pedal feel, gearbox life, and day-to-day driveability.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of a worn thrust bearing on a 2004 Navara?
Typically a rumble, whirr, or squeal when the clutch pedal is pressed, sometimes a light chirp at idle that disappears when the pedal is touched. There may also be pedal vibration or a notchier shift feel. If noise is present with the pedal released instead, look at the spigot/pilot bearing or gearbox input shaft bearings.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced with the clutch kit?
Yes. It’s standard to replace the thrust bearing any time the clutch is done. Labour to remove/refit the gearbox dominates the job, so it’s cost-effective to renew the full kit. Depending on 2WD/4WD and equipment, expect roughly 4–7 hours for a workshop that knows these utes.

Do automatic 2004 Navaras have a thrust bearing?
Not the clutch release type. Automatics don’t run a clutch release/thrust bearing, they use internal thrust washers/bearings inside the transmission. If chasing a noise on an auto, the diagnosis path is different.