Parts for your 2006 Honda Elysion-Thrust bearing

2006 Honda Elysion thrust-bearing — is it actually used?

Short answer: a conventional clutch thrust/release bearing isn’t used on the 2006 Honda Elysion. Honda’s own service information and parts catalogues for the Elysion RR-series (RR1–RR4, 2004–2008) show the model was built with 5‑speed automatic transmissions only, in both front‑wheel drive and RealTime 4WD. No manual gearbox option is listed, so there’s no clutch pressure plate, no release fork — and no clutch thrust/release bearing. The drivetrain uses a torque converter, while internal transmission thrust/needle bearings are sealed, specialist components, not routine service parts. The K24A and J30A engines do have crankshaft thrust bearings integrated into the main bearings, but those are only addressed during engine rebuilds, not regular servicing.

Why it isn’t used on this vehicle:

• Automatic-only line-up: with a torque converter, there’s no clutch to disengage, so no release/thrust bearing is required.
• Service strategy: the auto’s internal thrust/needle bearings aren’t separate service items, Honda’s scheduled maintenance focuses on ATF quality, cooling, and shift performance.
• Engine thrust bearings exist, but they control crankshaft end float and live inside the main bearing set — not a periodic maintenance item.

Chasing a “thrust bearing” issue on an Elysion? If there’s a rumble or whine in Drive at idle, it’s more likely to be torque converter wear, input shaft support bearings inside the auto, or even accessories (A/C clutch, idler pulley) rather than a clutch release bearing that the vehicle simply doesn’t have. A shudder on light throttle upshifts often points to aged ATF or converter clutch glazing.

What to service instead:

• Use the specified Honda ATF (originally ATF‑Z1, superseded by DW‑1) and refresh it at sensible intervals, especially for stop‑start or towing use common in AU/NZ. Many owners opt for 40–60,000 km drain-and-fill cycles.
• Keep the transmission cooler and radiator in good nick — heat is the enemy of auto bearings and clutches.
• If the engine is out for major work, a pro can check crankshaft end float and replace the main/thrust bearings if they’re out of spec — that’s an engine rebuild task, not driveway maintenance.

References: Honda Elysion (RR1–RR4) service manuals and parts catalogues for AT models, along with the 2006 owner’s manual, all indicate 5AT with torque converter only and no manual clutch components listed.

Popular questions

Does a 2006 Honda Elysion have a clutch thrust (release) bearing?
It doesn’t. The Elysion was sold with a 5‑speed automatic only, so there’s no manual clutch assembly and no release bearing. It does have internal auto trans thrust/needle bearings and engine crankshaft thrust bearings, but neither are routine service parts.

What noises can be mistaken for a failed thrust bearing on an Elysion?
A grumble or whine in Drive at idle is more likely torque converter wear, an internal auto bearing, or an accessory pulley. A light shudder on upshifts can be old ATF or converter clutch glazing. A proper diagnosis starts with fresh Honda-spec ATF and checking for metallic debris in the drained fluid.

What maintenance replaces a “thrust bearing service” on this model?
Stick to quality ATF (Honda DW‑1), keep the cooler clean, and monitor for converter shudder or harsh shifts. Engine thrust bearings are only checked during rebuilds, they’re not a scheduled item on a healthy K24A or J30A.