Parts for your 2007 Toyota Blade-Thrust bearing

2007 Toyota Blade thrust-bearing — what’s actually fitted

Chasing a thrust-bearing for a 2007 Toyota Blade? Here’s the straight talk. Based on Toyota’s technical documentation, the Blade (AZE154H 2.4-litre and GRE156H 3.5-litre) does not use a clutch thrust/release bearing because it wasn’t offered with a manual gearbox. The 2.4 runs Toyota’s Super CVT‑i (K310/K311 series), and the 3.5 V6 runs the Aisin U660E 6‑speed automatic. Both use a torque converter, so there’s no manual clutch assembly and therefore no clutch release/thrust bearing to service or replace.

What does exist in every Blade engine is a crankshaft thrust bearing (thrust washers integrated into the main bearings). That part controls crankshaft end float, but it lives inside the engine and isn’t a routine service item. It’s only inspected or replaced during engine rebuild work or when diagnosing unusual end‑float issues.

Why it’s not used on this model

• Driveline design: CVT and 6‑speed auto use a torque converter and flexplate rather than a manual clutch, so there’s no release/thrust bearing.
• Serviceability: The only “thrust” element on the engine is internal to the bottom end and isn’t a stand‑alone maintenance part.

What people often mean instead by “thrust bearing” on a Blade is the front strut top bearing (the swivel bearing in the strut mount). If there’s a groan, creak, or notchiness at low‑speed steering, that’s a strong candidate. Order front strut mount bearings (often bundled with the strut top mounts) rather than a clutch release bearing. Wheel bearings or transmission bearings are different again.

Helpful pointers if you’re hearing noises:

• Creaks or grinds when turning the steering at parking speeds: likely front strut mount bearings.
• Rumble that changes with road speed: could be a wheel bearing.
• Harsh knocking from the lower engine with clutch‑like symptoms: very uncommon here, engine end float would be checked, but that’s workshop territory.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for AZE154H and GRE156H model codes (2006–2012) lists Super CVT‑i and U660E automatic only, with no manual clutch or release bearing. Toyota service manuals (TIS) for 2AZ‑FE and 2GR‑FE show crankshaft thrust bearings as part of the main bearing set, not a regular service part. Aisin/Toyota technical overviews for the K‑series CVT and U660E confirm torque‑converter engagement, eliminating the need for a clutch release bearing.

Popular questions about the 2007 Toyota Blade “thrust-bearing”

Does a 2007 Toyota Blade have a clutch thrust/release bearing?
No. The Blade runs a CVT (2.4) or a 6‑speed auto (3.5 V6), both with a torque converter, so there’s no manual clutch and no release/thrust bearing to replace. The only thrust bearing on the car is internal to the engine’s bottom end.

What should be ordered if there’s a creak or notch when turning the wheel?
That symptom usually points to the front strut mount bearings. They’re sometimes casually called “thrust bearings”, but they’re suspension top‑mount bearings, not a clutch part. Replacing the strut mounts and bearings as a pair is common practice.

Can the engine thrust bearing be replaced without a rebuild?
It’s not a routine job. Proper diagnosis involves checking crankshaft end float against Toyota specs. Replacement requires significant engine disassembly (sump off at minimum, often engine out). If end float is out of spec, it’s a specialist repair rather than standard servicing.