Parts for your 2005 Toyota Bb-Thrust bearing

2005 Toyota bB thrust-bearing: what’s fitted and when it matters

Based on Toyota’s own technical literature, whether a 2005 Toyota bB “has a thrust-bearing” depends on the transmission. In Toyota terminology the clutch thrust/release bearing is listed only for the 5‑speed manual models, while the 4‑speed automatic models do not use one. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for NCP30/NCP31 (1NZ‑FE, 2005) shows a Release (Throw‑out) Bearing in the clutch assembly for manual cars, and none in the U340E/U341E automatic transaxles. The Toyota Repair Manual clutch and manual transaxle sections describe the release bearing’s function and servicing, the U340E automatic transaxle section shows a torque converter in place of any clutch release bearing. For clarity, the engine does have internal crankshaft thrust washers as part of the main bearings, but these aren’t a routine service item and aren’t what owners typically mean by “thrust-bearing.”

For owners of a 2005 Toyota bB with a manual gearbox, the thrust/release bearing is absolutely part of the clutch system. Its job is to press smoothly on the clutch diaphragm spring when the pedal’s pushed, letting gears swap without a fight. When it starts to go rough, they’ll often hear a chirp, whirr, or grinding noise that changes when the clutch pedal’s pressed, or feel a bit of grittiness through the pedal.

It’s not a serviced-on-its-own item during routine logbook servicing, it’s replaced on condition, usually whenever the clutch is out. Best practice on these Toyotas is to fit a complete clutch kit (pressure plate, driven plate, and release bearing) rather than piecemeal parts. While the gearbox is out, a good mechanic will also check the release fork and pivot, the retaining spring/clip, and the input shaft sleeve for wear, then apply a light smear of high‑temp moly grease to the input shaft splines and the release fork contact points—never over‑grease, as excess can fling onto the friction surfaces.

If the bB is an automatic, there’s no clutch release/thrust bearing to replace. The torque converter handles take‑off and gear changes, so chasing a “thrust-bearing noise” on an auto will send them looking in the wrong place. Any odd drivetrain noises in an auto are more likely from accessory bearings, idlers, the alternator, or wheel hubs, not a non‑existent clutch bearing.

Handy pointers for a manual bB:

• Replace the release bearing whenever the clutch is replaced.
• Inspect the release fork, pivot and clips, replace if worn or loose.
• Check clutch hydraulics (master/slave) for leaks and proper travel.
• Avoid riding the clutch, it shortens bearing and clutch life.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for NCP30/NCP31, Toyota Repair Manual for bB/1NZ‑FE (Clutch and Manual Transaxle sections, Automatic Transaxle U340E/U341E section).

Popular questions

Does an automatic 2005 Toyota bB have a thrust-bearing?
No. Automatic bB models (U340E/U341E) use a torque converter and don’t have a clutch release/thrust bearing. If there’s a whirring or grinding noise on an auto, look to accessories, wheel bearings, or the transmission’s internal components—not a clutch bearing that isn’t fitted.

What are the symptoms of a worn thrust/release bearing on a manual bB?
Common signs include a chirp, squeal, or rumble that appears or changes when the clutch pedal is pressed, plus a notchy or rough feel in the pedal. If it’s noisy with the pedal down and quiet with the pedal up (in neutral), the release bearing is a prime suspect.

Should the thrust/release bearing be replaced on its own?
It can be, but it’s smart money to replace it with the full clutch kit while the gearbox is out. Labour is the big cost, so doing the pressure plate and driven plate at the same time avoids paying twice if the other parts wear soon after.