Parts for your 2007 Nissan Pathfinder-Thrust bearing

2007 Nissan Pathfinder thrust-bearing: what it does and when to replace it

Based on Nissan’s factory service literature for the R51 (2005–2010) Pathfinder—specifically the CL (Clutch) and TM (Transmission) sections of the 2007 Service Manual—the 2007 Pathfinder fitted with a 6‑speed manual gearbox uses a clutch release (thrust) bearing, integrated into a concentric slave cylinder (CSC). Automatic variants with the RE5R05A transmission don’t have a clutch or thrust-bearing at all, so the part isn’t relevant on autos. Nissan parts catalogues for R51/FS6R31A confirm the CSC/release bearing assembly for manual diesel and some manual petrol models, while the RE5R05A auto shows no release mechanism.

On manual models, the thrust-bearing’s job is straightforward: it transfers pedal force smoothly to the pressure plate while the clutch is disengaged, keeping everything spinning nicely under axial load. Because the R51’s release bearing is built into the CSC and lives inside the bellhousing, it works every time the clutch pedal’s pressed—so if it gets noisy or rough, it’ll quickly make driving unpleasant.

Tell-tale signs it’s on the way out include:

• A whirring, humming, or squeal that appears with the clutch pedal depressed and fades when released
• A gritty or notchy pedal feel
• Difficulty selecting gears at a standstill
• Fluid loss from the bellhousing area (CSC seal leak)

For servicing, most techs in Aus and NZ treat the CSC/thrust-bearing as a replace-with-the-clutch item. It’s a gearbox-out job, so it’s smart money to fit a full clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, CSC/release bearing) at the same time, inspect the dual-mass flywheel for play/heat spots, check the rear main seal, and lightly lube the input splines with the correct high-temp grease. After reassembly, bleed the hydraulic system thoroughly, any aeration will give a spongy pedal or incomplete release. Use quality brake fluid as specified and avoid contaminating the new CSC with grease or clutch dust.

There’s no routine interval just for the thrust-bearing, but if the clutch is coming out—whether at 150,000–250,000 km or earlier due to towing or off-road work—the labour overlap makes replacement a no-brainer. Owners of automatic Pathfinders can skip this part entirely, as their driveline design doesn’t use a clutch release/thrust-bearing.

Popular questions

Does every 2007 Pathfinder have a thrust-bearing?
No. Only manual-transmission Pathfinders use a clutch release (thrust) bearing integrated with the concentric slave cylinder. Automatic models (RE5R05A) don’t have a clutch assembly, so there’s no thrust-bearing to service or replace.

What noise points to a failing thrust-bearing on a manual R51?
A distinct whirring or light squeal that starts when the clutch pedal is pressed and disappears when released is classic thrust-bearing noise. If it’s accompanied by a rough pedal feel or gear selection issues at a standstill, plan on a clutch/CSC job soon to avoid being stranded.

Can the thrust-bearing be replaced without removing the gearbox?
Not on the R51 manual. The release bearing is part of the internal CSC, so the transmission has to come out. That’s why most workshops recommend replacing the clutch kit and inspecting the flywheel and rear main seal while they’re in there.