Parts for your 2008 Toyota Blade-Thrust bearing

2008 Toyota Blade thrust-bearing: is it actually fitted?

Short answer: a clutch thrust bearing (aka release bearing) isn’t used on the 2008 Toyota Blade. That’s because every 2008 Blade is an auto: the 2.4-litre model runs a Super CVT‑i, and the 3.5-litre V6 uses a 6‑speed automatic. No manual gearbox was offered, so there’s no clutch assembly and no external thrust/release bearing to service.

This isn’t guesswork. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the Blade AZE156H (2AZ‑FE, CVT) and GRE156H (2GR‑FE, 6‑AT) lists the driveline as K110/K311 CVT and U660E automatic with no clutch cover, disc, fork or release bearing. Toyota’s New Car Features (NCF) for the E150 platform (Blade/Corolla) and the Toyota Repair Manual sections for K110/K311 CVT and U660E also show there’s no clutch release mechanism on this model year.

Why it’s not used: in a manual, the thrust/release bearing pushes on the clutch diaphragm to disengage drive. In the Blade’s CVT or auto, a torque converter and internal hydraulic clutches do that job, so there’s nothing for a release bearing to operate. Any “thrust bearings” inside the engine or transmission are internal components (e.g., crankshaft thrust washers, trans thrust bearings) and aren’t routine service items.

If someone’s chasing a “thrust bearing” noise on a 2008 Blade, it’s worth looking elsewhere. Common culprits include accessory drive bearings (idler, alternator, A/C clutch), water pump, wheel bearings, or, less commonly, CVT pulley bearings or differential bearings. A proper diagnostic—listening under load, checking for noise changes with engine speed vs road speed, and scanning for transmission data—will save time and coin.

• 2008 Blade 2.4 AZE156H: Super CVT‑i (K110/K311) – no clutch release bearing fitted.
• 2008 Blade Master 3.5 GRE156H: 6‑speed auto (U660E) – no clutch release bearing fitted.

About engine “thrust bearings”: the 2AZ‑FE and 2GR‑FE use crankshaft thrust washers to control end float. These aren’t a periodic service part. They’re inspected and replaced during engine overhaul if end play is out of spec or there’s evidence of wear. If there’s noticeable fore‑aft crank movement, metallic noises when loading the engine, or metal in the oil, a mechanic should measure crank end play per the Toyota Repair Manual and proceed from there.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for AZE156H/GRE156H (2008), Toyota New Car Features (E150 platform—Blade/Corolla), Toyota Repair Manual sections covering K110/K311 CVT and U660E automatic transmissions.

Popular questions about 2008‑Toyota‑Blade thrust‑bearing

Does the 2008 Toyota Blade have a clutch thrust/release bearing?
It doesn’t. The 2008 Blade is automatic only (CVT or 6‑speed auto), so there’s no manual clutch and no release bearing to replace. If there’s a bearing‑type noise, it’s likely from an accessory, wheel bearing, or internal transmission bearing and needs proper diagnosis.

Are engine thrust bearings (crankshaft thrust washers) a service item on the Blade?
No, they’re internal engine components. They’re checked during engine repair or rebuild if end float concerns arise. Routine servicing won’t include replacing thrust washers, a mechanic will measure crank end play and follow the Toyota Repair Manual if wear is suspected.

What symptoms get mistaken for a failed thrust bearing on a 2008 Blade?
Common mix‑ups include CVT whine that follows road speed, accessory belt idler or alternator bearing growl, A/C clutch noise, or wheel bearing rumble. A release‑bearing chirp when pressing a clutch pedal can’t occur here—there’s no clutch pedal on a 2008 Blade.