Parts for your 2008 Lexus Is-Thrust bearing

2008 Lexus IS thrust-bearing: what’s fitted and what isn’t

Yes, a thrust bearing is relevant on the 2008 Lexus IS — but it depends which bit of the car is being discussed. Every 2008 IS engine (2.5L 4GR-FSE, 3.5L 2GR-FSE, and 5.0L 2UR-GSE) uses crankshaft thrust bearings as part of the main bearing set. In addition, only the 6-speed manual IS250 uses a clutch release (thrust) bearing, the automatic models (A960E/A760E) do not. There’s no strut-top thrust bearing on the front suspension either, because the XE20 IS runs a double-wishbone front end rather than a MacPherson strut. These fitments are documented in Toyota/Lexus TIS Repair Manual coverage for the 2006–2013 IS (XE20), the Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), GR-series engine overhaul manuals (main/thrust bearings), and Aisin A960E/A760E transmission service literature (no clutch release bearing on autos).

For owners of a 2008 IS250 manual, the clutch release (thrust) bearing is the little workhorse that lets the clutch disengage smoothly when the pedal’s pressed. It rides on the gearbox input shaft sleeve, pushing on the pressure plate’s diaphragm fingers via the clutch fork. When it’s healthy, shifts feel clean and the pedal is quiet. When it’s tired, there can be a chirp or growl with the pedal depressed, notchier gear changes, and sometimes a pulsing through the pedal. Left to go completely, it can chew into the pressure plate fingers and spoil the clutch day.

Best practice is to replace the thrust bearing whenever the clutch is out — which usually means doing it as part of a complete clutch kit. It’s a small extra cost for a big bit of peace of mind. While in there, a good workshop will:

• Inspect the fork, pivot/ball stud and input shaft guide tube for wear or grooves.
• Lightly lubricate the bearing carrier contact points and fork pivot with the grease specified in the Lexus repair manual (usually a high-temp moly-type), keeping grease off the friction surfaces.
• Check gearbox input shaft play and the rear main seal for any weeps.

On driving style, riding the clutch pedal at the lights or holding the car on a hill with pedal pressure keeps the bearing spinning needlessly. Use neutral and the handbrake instead — it’ll add years to the bearing’s life.

For automatic IS models, there’s no clutch thrust bearing to service. And while the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearings are always present, they’re not a routine service item, they’re addressed only during an engine rebuild or if excessive crank end-float is diagnosed per the GR/UR engine manuals.

Popular questions about 2008 Lexus IS thrust bearings

Which 2008 Lexus IS models actually have a clutch thrust bearing?
Only the IS250 with the 6-speed manual gearbox has a clutch release (thrust) bearing. IS250/IS350 automatics and the IS F use torque converters, so there’s no clutch release bearing in those transmissions. All engines, regardless of transmission, do have crankshaft thrust bearings inside the bottom end — they’re just not a normal service item.

What are the tell-tale signs the clutch thrust bearing is on the way out?
Common giveaways include a chirping or grinding noise that appears when the clutch pedal is pressed and disappears when released, a slightly rough pedal feel, or shifts that feel notchy. If the noise is present with the pedal up and goes quiet when the pedal’s pressed, that’s more likely the gearbox input shaft bearing — different fix. A proper check involves removing the gearbox and inspecting the bearing, fork, and pressure plate fingers.

Can a noisy thrust bearing be lubricated without pulling the gearbox?
Not effectively. The release bearing sits inside the bellhousing and any quick-fix sprays won’t reach it (and shouldn’t be near the clutch anyway). The reliable remedy is gearbox-out, replace the bearing, and refresh related hardware. Doing it with a full clutch kit is the most cost-effective approach while the box is out.