Parts for your 2004 Toyota Bb-Thrust bearing

2004 Toyota bB thrust-bearing: is it actually used?

For most 2004 Toyota bB vehicles seen in Australia and New Zealand (typically JDM imports), a thrust-bearing in the clutch assembly isn’t relevant because these cars are commonly fitted with the 4‑speed automatic transaxle (Aisin U340E). An automatic uses a torque converter, so there’s no manual clutch and therefore no clutch release/thrust-bearing to service or replace.

Technical sources back this up: the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) for the NCP30/NCP31 bB lists a release (thrust) bearing only on manual-transmission variants, it’s absent on the U340E automatic. Toyota’s service information (TIS) for the U340E describes a torque converter and internal multi‑plate clutches, not a pedal‑operated clutch with a release bearing. Separately, the 1NZ‑FE/2NZ‑FE engine repair manual notes crankshaft thrust washers integrated with the main bearings, these are internal engine components and not what workshops or parts sellers mean by “thrust-bearing” in routine servicing.

Why it’s not used on the common auto bB:

• The U340E auto handles take‑off via a fluid torque converter—no clutch pedal, no pressure plate, no release fork, and no thrust/release bearing.
• Any “thrust” components the engine has are internal (crankshaft thrust bearings) and only touched during an engine rebuild, not scheduled maintenance.

When a thrust-bearing does apply to a 2004 bB: select manual models (C5x 5‑speed, e.g., C56/C59) do use a clutch release bearing—often called a thrust-bearing in workshop slang. On those cars, it’s a wear item that’s normally replaced with the clutch kit.

Owner tip: check the build plate or your paperwork for the transmission code. If it lists U340E/U341E (auto), there’s no clutch thrust-bearing to worry about during normal servicing. If it lists a C5x 5‑speed manual, then yes—there’s a release/thrust-bearing, and it should be inspected and replaced with the clutch as needed.

Sources referenced: Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (NCP30/NCP31 bB), Toyota Service Information (U340E automatic transaxle description), Aisin AW U340E design overview, and Toyota 1NZ‑FE/2NZ‑FE engine repair manual (engine mechanical).

Popular questions

Does my 2004 Toyota bB actually have a thrust-bearing?

If it’s an automatic (most are), no—there’s no clutch thrust-bearing. If it’s a 5‑speed manual, yes—it uses a clutch release/thrust-bearing as part of the clutch assembly. Check the transmission code: U340E/U341E = auto, C5x (e.g., C56/C59) = manual.

What are the signs of a worn thrust-bearing on a manual bB?

Common clues are a whirring or rumbling noise with the clutch pedal depressed, difficulty selecting gears, or a vibration through the pedal. It’s usually sorted by replacing the clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release/thrust-bearing, and often the pilot bearing) and checking the fork and pivot.

Is there any “thrust-bearing” maintenance on an automatic bB?

Not in the clutch sense. For autos, focus on fluid condition and change intervals for the transaxle, as specified by Toyota. Engine thrust bearings exist internally but aren’t serviced unless the engine is being rebuilt.