Parts for your 2007 Honda Cr-v-Thrust bearing

2007 Honda CR‑V Thrust Bearing

Yes, a thrust bearing is used on the 2007 Honda CR‑V, and in more than one place. Technical sources including the Honda CR‑V 2007–2011 Service Manual (Helm Inc.) detail thrust control for the crankshaft in the Engine—Crankshaft section (end play and thrust bearing surfaces), a steering/strut top thrust bearing in the Front Suspension—Shock Absorber and Spring section, and thrust bearings/washers within the automatic transmission. The Honda electronic parts catalogue for this model also lists the front damper mounting bearing and engine thrust components, confirming fitment.

For owners and workshops, the thrust bearing that’s typically serviced on a 2007 CR‑V is the front strut top bearing (often called a strut mount bearing). It sits at the top of the MacPherson strut and lets the strut turn smoothly when steering, taking axial (thrust) loads while the spring compresses. When it’s in good nick, steering is light and consistent, with no binding or shudder.

Common signs it’s tired include a notchy or heavy steering feel at low speed, a “memory steer” where the wheel doesn’t self‑centre cleanly, light clunks over bumps, or uneven front tyre wear. If any of that sounds familiar, it’s time for an inspection.

Best practice is to replace the strut top bearing whenever front struts, springs, or upper mounts are being swapped, as labour overlaps. Use quality OEM or equivalent bearings, renew the upper mount if worn, and check the dust boots and bump stops while it’s apart. After any front suspension work, a wheel alignment is a must to keep tyre wear and handling on point.

There’s no set kilometre interval for these bearings, condition and road use matter more. Vehicles driven on rough roads or carrying loads may see earlier wear. During routine servicing, listen for steering noises on lock, check for smooth rotation at the strut top while an assistant turns the wheel, and look for split mounts.

Worth noting: the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing and the automatic transmission’s internal thrust bearings are not routine service items, they’re addressed during engine or transmission rebuilds. Manual‑trans models also have a clutch release (often called a thrust) bearing, replaced with the clutch kit—fitment depends on market and trim.

• Symptoms to watch: notchy steering, clunks over bumps, memory steer, uneven front tyres
• Service tip: replace strut top bearings with struts/mounts and align afterwards

Popular questions

What are the symptoms of a worn strut‑top thrust bearing on a 2007 CR‑V?
Owners usually notice stiff or notchy steering at parking speeds, light clunks over sharp bumps, or a tendency for the wheel to “stick” slightly off centre. Uneven front tyre wear can also show up. A technician can feel roughness at the strut top while turning the wheel with the vehicle raised.

Do all 2007 CR‑Vs have a clutch thrust (release) bearing?
Only manual‑transmission CR‑Vs use a clutch release bearing. Many Australian and New Zealand 2007 CR‑V variants were sold with a 5‑speed automatic, which doesn’t have a clutch release bearing. Where a manual is fitted, the release bearing is replaced along with the clutch kit when it becomes noisy or during clutch renewal.

How long do thrust bearings last on a CR‑V?
The strut‑top thrust bearings often last well past 100,000 km but can wear sooner on rough roads. They’re typically replaced when symptoms appear or when doing front struts. Engine and automatic transmission thrust bearings generally last the life of the unit and are only serviced during major rebuilds.