Parts for your 2006 Toyota Land cruiser-Thrust bearing

2006 Toyota Land Cruiser thrust-bearing — what’s fitted and how to look after it

Based on Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the 100/105 Series and the Toyota service manuals (TIS) for clutch and engine overhaul, the 2006 Land Cruiser can be fitted with two different “thrust” bearings depending on the variant. Manual-transmission models (H150F/H151F) use a clutch release bearing — commonly called a thrust bearing — while automatic models (A750F) do not, as confirmed by Aisin’s automatic transmission service literature which specifies a torque converter in place of a clutch assembly. Separately, all engines (e.g., 1HD-FTE diesel and 2UZ-FE petrol) have crankshaft thrust bearings integrated into the main bearings, but these are internal engine components and not routine service items.

For owners of a manual 2006 Land Cruiser, the thrust (release) bearing sits on the clutch fork and slides on the guide tube toward the pressure plate when the pedal’s pressed. Its job is to apply smooth, axial force to the pressure plate fingers so the clutch can disengage cleanly without chattering or grinding. On the road or the track, that means slick shifts, less pedal vibration, and longer clutch life — especially handy for towing the boat or crawling up a rutted fire trail.

It’s not a scheduled replacement by itself, but Toyota’s service guidance and common workshop practice say it’s best replaced whenever the clutch is out. Most clutch kits for the 100/105 Series include a pressure plate, disc, release (thrust) bearing and a pilot/spigot bearing. While you’re there, a tech should check the fork pivot, release sleeve, guide tube and rear main seal, and apply a light smear of high-temp moly grease on the contact points (never on the friction surfaces). Hydraulic systems should be inspected for leaks and bled if the pedal feels spongy.

Signs the thrust bearing’s had a hard life include a whirring or squeal only when the clutch pedal is depressed, a rough or notchy take-up, or a pedal that chatters. Dust, mud and water crossings can accelerate wear, so vehicles that see plenty of outback work tend to need attention sooner.

If the 2006 Land Cruiser is an automatic, there’s no clutch thrust bearing to service — the A750F uses a torque converter and flexplate. And while the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearings do exist on all variants, they’re only touched during bottom-end repairs or a full rebuild per Toyota’s engine overhaul procedures.

• Relevant sources: Toyota EPC (100/105 Series), Toyota TIS Repair Manual (clutch and engine overhaul sections), Aisin A750F automatic transmission service literature.

Popular questions about 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser thrust-bearing

How do you tell if the thrust (release) bearing is failing?
Typically you’ll hear a whirring, chirp or squeal that appears only when the clutch pedal is pressed. You might also feel a buzz through the pedal or notice a rough disengagement. If the noise disappears with your foot off the pedal, the release bearing is a prime suspect.

Do automatic 2006 Land Cruisers have a thrust bearing?
No. The A750F automatic uses a torque converter, so there’s no clutch or release (thrust) bearing in the bellhousing. Any driveline noise on an auto will be traced to different components, like the converter, flexplate, or bearings within the transmission.

Should the pilot/spigot bearing be replaced with the thrust bearing?
Yes, good practice is to replace the pilot/spigot bearing whenever the clutch is out. It supports the gearbox input shaft, if it’s worn, you can get gear rattle, poor disengagement and premature wear of the new clutch and release bearing.