Parts for your 2005 Toyota Ractis-Thrust bearing

2005 Toyota Ractis thrust-bearing — what’s fitted and what that means for servicing

Based on Toyota technical references — namely the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the NCP100/NCP105 Ractis and Toyota service/repair literature for its transmissions — a clutch release (often called a thrust) bearing is fitted only to 2005 Ractis models with the 5‑speed manual gearbox. It is not used on CVT or conventional automatic versions because those transmissions employ a torque converter and don’t use a manual clutch. Separately, the 1NZ‑FE and 2SZ‑FE engines do have crankshaft thrust bearings built into the main bearing set, but those are internal engine components and not a routine service item. This aligns with Toyota’s New Car Features and transmission repair manuals describing Super CVT‑i and automatic units as clutchless at the pedal.

If a 2005 Toyota Ractis is a CVT or auto, a serviceable “thrust-bearing” for the clutch simply isn’t present, which is why it won’t appear in the driveline parts listing. That’s normal — there’s no pedal‑operated clutch, so no release/thrust bearing is required.

For owners of the 5‑speed manual Ractis, the thrust (release) bearing is a small but crucial bit of kit. Press the clutch pedal and this bearing lets the pressure plate disengage smoothly while it spins against the diaphragm spring. Its whole job is to handle that axial load with minimal friction so gear changes stay light and quiet.

It’s smart practice to replace the release bearing whenever the clutch is done. The gearbox has to come out to reach it, so the extra parts cost is peanuts compared with the labour. Many clutch kits include a new bearing and alignment tool for this reason. During service, a tech will also check the release fork, pivot, and guide tube for wear, and apply a light smear of high‑temp moly grease to the fork pivot and input sleeve — never over‑grease the bearing face itself. Typical tell‑tales of a tired release bearing include:

• Chirping, squeal or rumble that appears when the clutch pedal is pressed and fades when released
• Vibration through the pedal or a notchier take‑up

There’s no fixed replacement interval, many last well past 150,000 km depending on driving. Keeping feet off the pedal between shifts and avoiding riding the clutch will help. If the clutch is slipping, noisy, or the pedal feel’s gone gritty, plan a clutch kit with the bearing, and consider a new pilot bearing (if fitted) and rear main seal while the box is out. Use quality OEM or reputable aftermarket parts suited to the NCP100/NCP105 manual model so pedal feel and engagement stay as Toyota intended.

For grey‑import Ractis in NZ and AU, confirm the transmission code on the compliance plate: manual models will list the appropriate C‑series gearbox and will use a clutch release (thrust) bearing, CVT/auto won’t.

Popular questions

Does a 2005 Toyota Ractis have a thrust-bearing?

Only the 5‑speed manual versions do — it’s the clutch release (thrust) bearing. CVT and automatic Ractis models don’t use one because they don’t have a pedal‑operated clutch. The engine itself has internal crankshaft thrust bearings, but those aren’t a routine service item.

What are the signs my Ractis clutch release bearing is failing?

Listen for a chirp, squeal, or rumble when the pedal is pressed that disappears when you let it up. You might also feel a rough or buzzy pedal. Those symptoms point to the release bearing rather than the gearbox itself.

Should the thrust (release) bearing be replaced with the clutch?

Yes. Because the gearbox has to come out, it’s best value to fit a full clutch kit including the release bearing, and check the fork, pivot, guide tube, and pilot bearing at the same time.