Parts for your 2006 Honda Stream-Thrust bearing

2006 Honda Stream thrust-bearing: is it actually used?

Short answer: a clutch “thrust-bearing” isn’t used on most 2006 Honda Stream models. Honda’s technical literature for the second‑generation Stream (RN6–RN9, launched 2006) shows automatic and CVT transmissions only, which do not employ a clutch release/thrust bearing. This lines up with the Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue and the factory workshop manual sections for the 5‑speed auto and CVT, where no clutch release bearing is listed. There is, however, a crankshaft thrust bearing inside the engine (part of the main bearing set), but that’s an internal component and not a routine service item.

Why it’s not used on these cars comes down to how the transmission works. The auto uses a torque converter and the CVT uses a hydraulic unit, neither system needs a manual clutch or a release (thrust) bearing to disengage drive. In contrast, first‑generation Stream manuals (RN1–RN5, up to early 2006 in some markets) do use a clutch release bearing. If someone has an early 2006 car with a 5‑speed manual, that’s the exception—Honda’s clutch section of the RN1–RN5 workshop manual details the release bearing fitted to those models.

• Most 2006 RN6–RN9 cars (the common JDM imports in AU/NZ) = auto or CVT = no clutch thrust bearing.
• Engine still has a crankshaft thrust bearing to control end‑float, noted in Honda engine overhaul data for R18A/R20A, but it’s only serviced during engine rebuilds.
• Early 2006 carry‑over manuals (RN1–RN5) = do have a clutch release/thrust bearing, replaced with the clutch kit.

If the vehicle is auto/CVT and you’re chasing noises that sound like a failed clutch bearing, look elsewhere: focus on the torque converter, CVT input bearings, accessory pulleys, or the A/C compressor. If it’s one of the rarer manual cars, a noisy release bearing typically chirps or growls with the pedal depressed. In that case, standard practice—per Honda’s clutch service guidance—is to replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing (thrust bearing), and inspect the release fork and guide tube in one go.

Technical sources: Honda Stream workshop manuals (RN1–RN5 clutch section, RN6–RN9 automatic/CVT sections), Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue listings for RN6–RN9 transmissions, and Honda engine service information for R18A/R20A identifying the integrated crankshaft thrust bearing.

FAQs

Does a 2006 Honda Stream have a clutch thrust bearing?
Most 2006 Streams in AU/NZ are auto or CVT and do not have a clutch thrust bearing. Only the earlier manual variants (mainly first‑gen RN1–RN5 cars that overlap early 2006) use a clutch release/thrust bearing.

What’s the “thrust bearing” inside the engine, and does it need servicing?
The crankshaft thrust bearing controls end‑float and is part of the main bearing set. It’s not a routine service item and is only inspected or replaced during an engine rebuild or if there are symptoms of excessive end‑float.

How can I tell which transmission I have?
If it has a traditional PRND gear selector, it’s an automatic, most RN6–RN9 cars are. A floor‑shift 5‑speed with a clutch pedal indicates a manual—those are mostly earlier RN1–RN5 models, not the typical 2006‑on RN6 imports.