Parts for your 2004 Nissan Serena-Thrust bearing

2004 Nissan Serena thrust-bearing — what’s fitted and how to look after it

Based on the Nissan Serena C24 Factory Service Manual (Engine Mechanical and Clutch sections) and Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue, every 2004 Serena engine (QR20DE, QR25DE and YD22DDTi) uses a crankshaft thrust bearing that’s integrated with the main bearing set to control axial movement. A separate clutch release (thrust) bearing appears only on 5‑speed manual models in the CL section, automatic and Hyper‑CVT variants have no clutch release bearing.

For this vehicle, “thrust bearing” most commonly means two things: the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing, and on manual models, the clutch release bearing. The crankshaft thrust bearing’s job is to limit fore‑and‑aft crank movement under clutch and driveline loads, keeping oil clearances stable and protecting the block and timing hardware. When it wears, axial play grows, which can show up as knocking at idle when loads change, odd clutch behaviour on manuals, or visible in‑out motion of the crank pulley.

Routine servicing doesn’t usually replace the crankshaft thrust bearing on a Serena, it’s inspected when the sump is off or during a bottom‑end rebuild. Good habits go a long way: use the correct spec engine oil, keep change intervals tight, and fix any low‑oil‑pressure or contamination issues quickly. If the pan is off for other work, a technician can measure crank end float with a dial gauge and compare it to the FSM spec, then renew the main/thrust bearing shells if needed.

On manual Serenas, the clutch release (thrust) bearing is a wear item. Best practice is to replace it any time the gearbox is out for a clutch job. A quality clutch kit will include a new release bearing, renewing the spigot/pilot bush and inspecting the release fork and guide tube at the same time prevents repeat labour. Symptoms of a tired release bearing include growling or chirping with the clutch pedal depressed that quietens when the pedal is released.

• Watch for end‑float signs: changes in idle noise with A/C on/off, crank pulley shift, or difficult gear selection (manual).
• If you’re seeing metal in the oil or experiencing low oil pressure, have the bottom end checked, including thrust faces.
• Manual models: avoid riding the clutch, excessive pedal use can increase axial loading on the thrust faces.
• When the trans is out, consider a rear main seal and release mechanism refresh to save future labour.

Popular questions

Does a 2004 Nissan Serena have a thrust bearing?
Yes. All engines in the 2004 Serena have a crankshaft thrust bearing built into the main bearing set. A separate clutch release (thrust) bearing is only fitted to 5‑speed manual versions, autos and CVTs don’t use a clutch release bearing. This layout is shown in the C24 Factory Service Manual and Nissan FAST parts listings.

What are the signs of a worn thrust bearing on a Serena?
For the engine’s thrust bearing: a change in idle noise as loads switch (A/C on/off), a light knock, or visible fore‑aft movement of the crank pulley. On manual cars, clutch pedal changes can alter the noise. For the clutch release bearing: a growl or chirp when the pedal is depressed that goes quiet when released.

When should the thrust bearing be replaced?
The engine’s thrust bearing is normally only replaced during bottom‑end repair or when end float is out of spec. It’s not a periodic service item. The clutch release bearing on manual Serenas should be renewed whenever the clutch is replaced or the gearbox is removed, as the extra labour to access it later is significant.