Parts for your 2004 Toyota Highlander-Thrust bearing

2004 Toyota Highlander thrust-bearing: what it is and when it matters

On the 2004 Toyota Highlander (sold locally as the Kluger), a thrust-bearing is indeed relevant. According to Toyota’s Repair Manual for the ACU20/25 and MCU23/28 series and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, the engine’s main bearing set incorporates thrust faces to control crankshaft end float. Aisin’s U140/U151 automatic transaxle documentation also shows multiple internal thrust bearings/washers that manage axial loads in the planetary gearsets. There’s no clutch release (thrust) bearing on this model because it wasn’t offered with a manual gearbox.

What does that mean for owners? The thrust-bearing in the engine keeps the crankshaft from walking forwards and backwards under load, like when the torque converter loads up in Drive. Inside the auto, thrust bearings keep rotating assemblies aligned so the gears live a long, quiet life. When these parts do their job, you’ll never notice them.

They’re not routine service items on a Highlander/Kluger. Engine thrust-bearing service only happens during a bottom-end rebuild, and transmission thrust bearings are addressed during a full auto overhaul. Still, good servicing habits protect them for the long haul.

• Use the correct ATF: For 2004 vehicles, Toyota specifies Type T‑IV (JWS 3309). Refreshing fluid at sensible intervals (e.g., every 60–80,000 km in local stop–start or towing use) helps reduce wear that can accelerate internal thrust washer/bearing damage.
• Keep engine oil fresh and at the right level. Clean oil cushions the crank and thrust faces and carries away contaminants.
• Listen and look: a rhythmic knock that changes when selecting Drive/Neutral, noticeable fore–aft movement of the crank pulley, metal glitter in oil, or harsh engagement could warrant checks of crankshaft end play and transmission health per the Toyota manual.

Replacement, if ever required, is a precision job. For the engine, the sump and bearing caps come off, end play is measured with a dial indicator, and bearing grade selection follows the FSM using block and crank ID marks. For the auto, the unit is removed and stripped, thrust bearings/washers are inspected and replaced alongside any worn drums, carriers or bushings. These are specialist tasks best left to an experienced engine builder or automatic transmission rebuilder.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Repair Manual (Highlander/Kluger ACU20/25, MCU23/28 series), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (main bearing/thrust components), and Aisin U140E/U140F and U151E/U151F automatic transaxle overhaul manuals.

• Does a 2004 Highlander/Kluger have a clutch thrust (release) bearing?
  No. This model was sold with automatic transmissions only, so there’s no clutch release/throwout bearing. Any “thrust-bearing” references relate to the engine main bearing thrust faces or internal auto trans thrust bearings/washers.
• What are signs the engine thrust-bearing might be worn?
  Possible signs include a light knock that changes when shifting between Park/Neutral and Drive, visible fore–aft movement of the crank pulley, erratic idle when selecting gear due to axial load, and metallic particles in the engine oil. Proper diagnosis involves measuring crankshaft end play to the spec in the Toyota manual.
• Will changing ATF help protect transmission thrust bearings?
  Yes. Using the correct Type T‑IV (JWS 3309) fluid and replacing it at sensible intervals for local conditions helps maintain hydraulic pressure integrity and lubrication quality, both of which reduce wear on internal thrust washers/bearings and other rotating assemblies.