Parts for your 2007 Lexus Is-Thrust bearing

2007 Lexus IS thrust-bearing — what it is, where it lives, and when to replace it

Referencing the Lexus/Toyota Repair Manual for the second‑gen IS (engine mechanical and clutch sections) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, a thrust bearing is indeed relevant on a 2007 Lexus IS. There are two contexts: a crankshaft thrust bearing built into the engine’s main bearings (4GR‑FSE 2.5L and 2GR‑FSE 3.5L), and—on IS250 models with the 6‑speed manual—a clutch release bearing that’s commonly called a thrust bearing in workshops across Australia and New Zealand. Automatics (A960E) don’t use a clutch thrust/release bearing. This aligns with Lexus service literature and Aisin transmission documentation for the manual models.

For owners of a 2007 IS250 manual, the “thrust bearing” most folks talk about is the clutch release bearing. Its job is simple but crucial: when the clutch pedal is pressed, the bearing slides on the input shaft sleeve and pushes on the pressure plate’s diaphragm fingers, letting the clutch disengage smoothly and quietly. A healthy bearing is quiet and slick, a tired one will make itself known.

Common signs a clutch thrust bearing is on the way out:

• Whirring, chirping, or growling that appears with the clutch pedal depressed and fades when released
• Notchy pedal feel or a shudder when taking off
• Noises that worsen as the bearing warms up on a longer drive

Best practice, backed by the Lexus Repair Manual, is to replace the release (thrust) bearing whenever the clutch is out—do it as part of a full clutch kit. The gearbox must be removed to access it, so it’s smart to sort nearby wear items at the same time:

• Inspect/replace the pilot bearing or bush, clutch fork and pivot, and the input shaft sleeve
• Check the pressure plate, disc, and flywheel surface, machine or replace as needed
• Lightly lubricate the bearing contact points with the specified high‑temp grease—sparingly, to avoid contamination
• Bleed the clutch hydraulics and check pedal free play per spec
• Have a look for any rear main seal weep while access is easy

Engine crankshaft thrust bearings are integral to the main bearings and only addressed during an engine rebuild or if end‑float is out of spec, they’re not a routine service item. If the car is an automatic IS, there’s no clutch thrust bearing to maintain—noise under load is more likely from the torque converter, pulley bearings, or driveline mounts and should be diagnosed accordingly.

Popular questions about 2007 Lexus IS thrust-bearing

Does every 2007 Lexus IS have a thrust bearing?
All engines have an internal crankshaft thrust bearing. Only IS250 models with the 6‑speed manual use a clutch release (thrust) bearing. Automatic models don’t have a clutch thrust bearing.

What noise points to a worn clutch thrust bearing on an IS250 manual?
A tell‑tale whirr, chirp, or growl that starts when the pedal is pressed and stops when it’s released. If the sound is present at idle with the pedal up, look instead at the gearbox input bearing or ancillary pulleys.

When should the clutch thrust bearing be replaced?
Any time the clutch is replaced or the gearbox is removed. Given the labour involved, fitting a fresh bearing with a complete clutch kit saves hassle and ensures smooth pedal feel.