Parts for your 2007 Nissan Serena-Thrust bearing

2007 Nissan Serena thrust bearing — is it actually a thing?

Short answer: for most 2007 Nissan Serena (C25) models, a “thrust bearing” as people commonly mean it — the clutch release/thrust bearing — isn’t fitted. That’s because the C25 Serena was largely built with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (RE0F10A/JF011E), which uses a torque converter and variator pulleys, not a manual clutch. With no clutch pedal, there’s no release fork and no clutch thrust bearing to press on.

This isn’t just workshop folklore. Technical sources back it up: the Nissan Serena C25 Service Manual (TM—CVT, RE0F10A/JF011E) details the transmission with a torque converter and no clutch release mechanism, the CL—Clutch section only applies to rare M/T variants. The Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue also lists no clutch release bearing for CVT-equipped C25s. Separately, the MR20DE engine’s EM section shows crankshaft thrust bearings inside the engine block, but those are internal components, not routine service items.

So why isn’t a thrust bearing used? A CVT with a torque converter handles take-off and coupling hydraulically. That removes the mechanical clutch assembly found in manuals, so there’s nothing for a release (thrust) bearing to operate. Any “thrust bearings” inside the CVT or engine are specialised internal bearings and thrust washers that only get touched during full overhauls, not during regular servicing.

What if someone’s got a manual Serena? In a few markets or commercial grades, a manual gearbox did exist. Those vehicles do have a clutch release bearing, usually replaced as part of a complete clutch kit (pressure plate, disc, release bearing) whenever the gearbox is out. But for the vast majority of 2007 Serena owners with CVT, hunting for an external thrust/release bearing isn’t the right path.

• Typical CVT service items: CVT fluid (NS-2 for JF011E-era units), cooler flow checks, software updates, and listening for pulley or pump whine.
• Noises often mistaken for a “bad thrust bearing”: torque converter shudder, CVT primary/secondary pulley bearing whine, accessory belt idler noise, or front wheel hub bearings.
• If unsure which you’ve got, check the shift gate. A PRNDL-style gate with “Ds/L” is CVT, a traditional H-pattern is manual.

Technical references consulted: Nissan Serena C25 Service Manual (TM—CVT RE0F10A/JF011E, CL—Clutch for M/T only), Nissan FAST EPC for C25, and MR20DE Engine Mechanical (EM) for internal crankshaft thrust bearings.

Popular questions about 2007 Nissan Serena thrust bearing

Does a 2007 Nissan Serena have a thrust/release bearing?
Most 2007 Serena C25s run a CVT, so there’s no clutch release (thrust) bearing fitted. Only rare manual-transmission variants have one, and it’s part of the clutch assembly. Internal thrust bearings do exist in the engine and CVT, but they’re not external service parts.

What should be serviced instead of a thrust bearing on a CVT Serena?
Stick to CVT-specific maintenance: correct CVT fluid (NS-2 for JF011E-era), cooler and line checks, and software updates where applicable. If there’s a rumble or whine, have a tech assess the CVT pulleys, torque converter, and front hub bearings before assuming a clutch-type fault.

How can someone tell if their Serena needs a clutch release bearing?
Only if it’s a manual. Clues include an H-pattern shifter and a clutch pedal. Noisy operation when pressing the clutch pedal down usually points to the release bearing. On CVT models, pedal-free and PRND-style selectors mean a clutch release bearing isn’t present.