Parts for your 2005 Toyota Highlander-Thrust bearing

2005 Toyota Highlander – Is a “thrust bearing” relevant on this model?

Short answer: not as a stand‑alone, serviceable part. According to Toyota’s factory literature for the 2005 Highlander/Kluger—specifically the Repair Manual sections for the 2AZ‑FE (2.4L) and 3MZ‑FE (3.3L) engines, and the U140E/U151E automatic transaxles, plus the New Car Features guide—the 2005 Highlander was delivered with automatic transmissions only. That means there’s no manual clutch assembly and therefore no clutch thrust/release bearing to replace. The common aftermarket use of the term “thrust bearing” to mean a clutch release bearing simply doesn’t apply to this vehicle.

What it does have are internal thrust elements: the crankshaft thrust bearing surfaces (thrust washers integrated with the centre main bearing) inside the engine, and thrust washers/bearings within the automatic transaxle. These components control end‑float and axial loads, but they’re internal to the engine/transmission and aren’t routine service items. They’re only inspected or replaced during a full rebuild. This is detailed in Toyota’s Engine Mechanical sections for 2AZ‑FE and 3MZ‑FE, and the Automatic Transaxle Repair Manual sections for U140E/U151E.

There’s also a steering “thrust” function handled by the front strut top mount bearings (Toyota refers to these as the front suspension support sub‑assembly with bearing). Those let the struts rotate smoothly when steering. If someone’s chasing a “thrust bearing noise” on a Highlander, it’s often actually these strut top bearings—typical symptoms include notchy steering, graunching at low‑speed turns, or a clunk over bumps.

So, while the 2005 Highlander certainly contains thrust bearings in the engineering sense, there isn’t a separate, external “thrust bearing” part to service like you’d find on a manual gearbox vehicle. If you’re hearing noises that you’d normally blame on a clutch release bearing, look elsewhere.

• Noise when turning the wheel at a standstill or “memory steer”? Inspect/replace front strut top mounts with bearings.
• Harsh shift quality or internal transmission whine? That’s a transmission‑internal issue—specialist diagnosis required.
• Suspected crank end‑float or metallic rub tied to engine load? That points to internal engine thrust surfaces—work for an engine builder.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Highlander/Kluger Repair Manual (MCU23/MCU28/MHU28) – Engine Mechanical (2AZ‑FE, 3MZ‑FE), Automatic Transaxle (U140E/U151E), Toyota New Car Features (2005 Highlander/Kluger). These documents specify the auto‑only driveline for 2005 and show thrust control handled internally rather than via a serviceable clutch release bearing.

FAQs

Does a 2005 Toyota Highlander have a clutch thrust/release bearing?

No. The 2005 Highlander was sold with automatic transmissions (U140E/U151E), so there’s no manual clutch and no clutch release/thrust bearing to replace. If you’re chasing a noise you’d normally associate with a throw‑out bearing, consider the front strut top bearings or other drivetrain components instead.

Are the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearings something that need regular servicing?

They’re internal to the engine’s main bearing set and aren’t a routine service item. They’re checked and replaced only during engine overhaul. Unusual end‑float, scraping noises, or metal in the oil would warrant deeper diagnosis by a specialist.

Could “thrust bearing” noise on a Highlander actually be the strut top bearings?

Quite possibly. The front suspension support bearings let the struts rotate when steering. If they bind or wear, you may hear groans, pops, or feel notchy steering. They’re serviceable and commonly replaced in pairs during front strut work.