Parts for your 2005 Nissan Navara-Thrust bearing

2005 Nissan Navara thrust-bearing — what it does and when to replace it

Yes, the 2005 Nissan Navara uses a clutch thrust-bearing (also called a release or throwout bearing) on manual-transmission models. This is documented in Nissan factory service manuals for both D22 and D40 platforms (CL – Clutch section). On D40 manuals, the thrust-bearing is integrated with the concentric slave cylinder (CSC) inside the bellhousing, on many D22 manuals it’s a conventional release bearing operated by a fork and an external slave. Parts catalogues (e.g., Nissan FAST) and clutch manufacturer data (e.g., Exedy Australia catalogue kits for 2005 Navara) also list a replacement release/thrust bearing as part of the clutch kit. Automatic Navaras don’t use a clutch thrust-bearing, as they run a torque converter, engine crankshaft thrust bearings do exist but aren’t routine service items.

On a manual 2005 Navara, the thrust-bearing’s job is simple: when the driver presses the clutch pedal, the bearing smoothly applies force to the pressure plate’s diaphragm, letting the clutch disengage so gears can be shifted without graunching. A healthy bearing keeps pedal effort light and engagement silky, a tired one brings noise, vibration, and a notchy feel.

There’s no scheduled service interval for the thrust-bearing. It’s typically replaced whenever the clutch is out. Given the gearbox has to come off to access it, it’s smart to do the full lot in one go. For D40 models with the CSC, the integrated unit should be renewed along with the clutch disc and pressure plate. For D22, replace the release bearing, inspect/replace the spigot (pilot) bearing, and check the fork pivot and boot. Always inspect the flywheel (many are dual-mass) and resurface or replace if it’s heat-spotted or out of spec.

• Common symptoms: chirping or squealing when the pedal is pressed, rough or pulsing pedal feel, difficulty selecting gears, fluid weep from bellhousing on D40 CSC failures.
• Good practice: bleed the clutch hydraulics with fresh DOT 4, check master/slave condition, and avoid riding the clutch around town or on worksites.
• Workshop tip: use an alignment tool, torque fasteners to the service manual specs, and reset any clutch pedal free play per the manual.

If the ute has done big kilometres, tows regularly, or the pedal’s getting noisy or heavy, organising a clutch kit with a new thrust-bearing will save repeat labour and keep it shifting cleanly for years.

Popular questions about 2005 Nissan Navara thrust-bearing

Does a 2005 Navara have a thrust-bearing?
Manual models do. D40 manuals use a concentric slave cylinder with the thrust-bearing built in, while D22 manuals generally use a separate release bearing and fork. Autos don’t have a clutch thrust-bearing.

What are the signs the thrust-bearing is failing?
Listen for a chirp, squeal, or rumble that changes when the clutch pedal is pressed. Feel for a rough or pulsing pedal and harder gear changes. On D40, fluid misting or drips from the bellhousing point to a leaking CSC/thrust-bearing unit.

Should the thrust-bearing be replaced on its own?
Because the gearbox has to come out, most mechanics recommend replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, thrust-bearing (and CSC on D40), and spigot bearing together. It’s better value than paying labour twice.