Parts for your 2007 Holden Commodore-Thrust bearing

2007 Holden Commodore thrust bearing: what’s fitted and how to look after it

Technical sources including the Holden VE Commodore Service Manual (GMH SI, MY07), the Tremec TR-6060 service literature, the Aisin AY6 manual gearbox service information, and the Exedy Australia clutch catalogue confirm that 2007 VE Commodore models with a manual transmission use a clutch release bearing (often called a “thrust bearing” in Aus/NZ). It’s integrated with a concentric slave cylinder (CSC) inside the bellhousing. Automatic-only variants don’t use a clutch thrust bearing because they run a torque converter. While every engine has crankshaft thrust bearings, those aren’t the “thrust bearing” people mean when talking clutches, and they’re not a routine service item.

On a manual 2007 Commodore, the thrust bearing’s job is simple but critical: when the driver presses the clutch pedal, hydraulic pressure moves the CSC and its bearing forward to push on the clutch diaphragm spring, separating the friction disc from the flywheel so gears can be selected smoothly. It allows the spinning clutch to be disengaged without transferring rotation into the hydraulic system. VE V6 manuals (Aisin AY6) and V8 manuals (Tremec TR-6060) both use this sealed, self-lubricated CSC/release-bearing assembly.

There’s no scheduled maintenance for the thrust bearing itself, but smart servicing keeps it happy. Typically, the bearing is replaced whenever the clutch is replaced because the gearbox has to come out to access it. Using quality parts that meet OE specs (as catalogued by Exedy and detailed in GMH SI) and following the proper bleed procedure are key to long life and a light pedal.

• Typical symptoms: chirping or rumbling with the clutch pedal depressed, a gritty pedal feel, poor clutch disengagement, fluid weep from the bellhousing indicating a failing CSC seal.
• Service tips: flush and replace clutch hydraulic fluid every 2–3 years (DOT 4 as specified), check for leaks at the master cylinder, lines and bellhousing, and address any clutch drag early to avoid collateral damage.
• When replacing: fit a complete kit (clutch disc, pressure plate, CSC/release bearing, and pilot bearing), inspect and machine or replace the flywheel as required, and torque fasteners to GMH specs. After installation, bleed the system thoroughly to prevent aeration that can cook the new bearing.
• Driving and bedding: avoid hard launches for the first 500–800 km to bed the clutch evenly and keep heat out of the new bearing.

If the Commodore is an auto, none of the clutch-thrust-bearing symptoms apply—focus instead on transmission fluid condition and shift quality.

Popular questions

Does a 2007 Holden Commodore have a thrust bearing?
Manual models do—it's the clutch release bearing built into the concentric slave cylinder. Auto-only variants don’t, as they use a torque converter. Note that the engine’s crankshaft has thrust bearings, but those aren’t part of the clutch system and aren’t typically serviced unless the engine is rebuilt.

How long should the thrust bearing last, and when should it be replaced?
Service life varies with driving style, but it commonly lasts as long as the clutch. Most workshops replace the CSC/release bearing whenever the clutch is done, because the gearbox is already out. Noisy operation with the pedal down, fluid leaks from the bellhousing, or clutch drag are your cues to schedule replacement.

Can the thrust bearing be lubricated or adjusted?
No. It’s a sealed unit with no external lubrication or adjustment. If it’s noisy or leaking, replacement is the fix. Keeping the clutch hydraulics clean and properly bled is the best preventative step.