Parts for your 2007 Honda Fit-Thrust bearing

2007 Honda Fit thrust bearing — what it does and when to replace it

On the 2007 Honda Fit (Jazz in NZ/AU), a thrust bearing is absolutely used. The L15A engine employs thrust surfaces at the crankshaft’s centre main to control end float, specified and measured in the Honda Fit/Jazz 2007 Service Manual under Cylinder Block and Crankshaft/Main Bearings. Manual-transmission models also use a clutch release bearing, commonly called a thrust bearing in everyday workshop chat, shown in the Clutch section of the same manual. These are standard Honda L‑series design features noted across Honda technical literature and parts catalogues for the GD1/GD3 platform.

For this model, the thrust bearing’s main job in the engine is to stop the crankshaft walking forwards and backwards. Every time the clutch is pressed on a manual or the torque converter loads the crank on an auto, there’s axial force. The thrust faces at the centre main bearing take that shove, keeping the crank nicely centred so the oil pump, timing chain and seals all stay happy. When healthy, it keeps the idle smooth, gear changes tidy, and prevents odd noises that come from the crank nudging around in the block.

On manual Fits, the clutch release (thrust) bearing is the little hero that presses smoothly on the pressure plate fingers when the pedal’s down. If it gets noisy or rough, shifting feels gritty, there’s a whirr with the pedal pressed, or it binds and chews out the pressure plate.

Servicing is straightforward but should be done properly. Engine thrust bearing checks happen when the sump or crank is out: measure crank end float with a dial gauge, inspect the centre main shells/thrust faces for scoring, and fit correct-size shells or thrust washers as per Honda’s selection procedure. Always use assembly lube, keep journals spotless, and torque the main caps to spec. Fresh oil on schedule goes a long way to protecting those bearing surfaces.

For manuals, it’s smart practice to replace the release bearing whenever a clutch kit is fitted. It’s low extra cost for big peace of mind. Lightly lube the input shaft sleeve and fork pivot (never the bearing face), ensure the slave cylinder and pedal free play are right, and bleed the hydraulics so the pedal feels consistent. Drivers who avoid riding the clutch and don’t sit at lights with the pedal held down will help both bearings live a long life. On autos, there’s no external clutch thrust bearing, but the engine’s thrust faces still do the axial control work and deserve clean oil and proper belt tension to reduce side loading.

• Replace engine thrust bearings if end float is out of spec, there’s metallic scrape at idle with clutch use, or during rebuilds.
• Replace the clutch release bearing with every clutch kit, or if there’s pedal-down whirring/roughness.

Does a 2007 Honda Fit have a thrust bearing?

Yes. The L15A engine has thrust faces at the centre main to control crank end float, as set out in Honda’s service manual. Manual models also have a clutch release (thrust) bearing, autos do not use that external clutch bearing.

What are common signs of a worn thrust bearing on a Fit?

Engine-side issues include end float clunk, pulley movement in and out, or scraping noises when the clutch is pressed. On manual cars, a failing release bearing often whirs with the pedal down, feels notchy, or makes shifting less pleasant.

Should the release bearing be changed with the clutch on a 2007 Fit?

Always. The gearbox is already out, so the extra labour is minimal and a fresh bearing helps protect the new pressure plate and keeps the pedal feel smooth.