Parts for your 2009 Nissan Navara-Thrust bearing

2009 Nissan Navara thrust-bearing (clutch release bearing)

Based on the Nissan Navara D40 Series Service Manual (CL—Clutch), the 2009 Navara with the 6‑speed manual gearbox (FS6R31A) uses a concentric slave cylinder that integrates the clutch release bearing—often called the thrust-bearing. The Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue for D40 (2009, YD25DDTi and V6 variants) lists this concentric slave/release bearing assembly, and OE clutch kits from major suppliers include it. Automatic Navaras don’t use a clutch thrust-bearing.

On a manual 2009 Navara, the thrust-bearing’s job is simple but critical: it takes the push from the clutch hydraulics and smoothly presses against the pressure plate’s diaphragm spring, letting the clutch disengage so gears can be selected without drama. Because it spins under axial load every time the pedal’s pressed, it’s built to handle both thrust and rotation while staying quiet and low‑friction.

The D40’s thrust-bearing is sealed and sits inside the bellhousing as part of the concentric slave cylinder (CSC). That means no regular greasing or adjustment—maintenance is mostly about keeping the clutch hydraulic fluid clean and at the right level. Old or contaminated fluid can attack seals and shorten the CSC/bearing’s life. Use the brake/clutch fluid spec recommended by Nissan (DOT 3 or DOT 4, as stated in the handbook) and bleed the system if the pedal feels spongy.

Because the CSC/thrust-bearing is buried, the gearbox has to come out to replace it. That’s why most techs recommend replacing the thrust-bearing whenever a new clutch goes in. It’s smart preventative maintenance on a ute that often tows or works hard.

• Common signs it’s on the way out: squeal or growl when the clutch pedal is depressed, rough or notchy pedal feel, hard gear engagement at a standstill, or fluid leaks from the bellhousing.
• Best practice during a clutch job: replace the CSC/thrust-bearing, the clutch disc and pressure plate as a kit, inspect the dual‑mass flywheel for play/heat spots, and flush the hydraulics.
• Driving habits that help: avoid riding the clutch at traffic lights, don’t rest a foot on the pedal, and use neutral when stopped to reduce needless bearing load.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for the Navara’s thrust-bearing—condition and kilometres tell the story. If the gearbox is coming out for any reason, it’s cheap insurance to fit a fresh CSC/release bearing at the same time.

• Does a 2009 Nissan Navara have a thrust-bearing?
  Yes—manual models do. It’s the clutch release bearing integrated into the concentric slave cylinder inside the bellhousing. Automatic models don’t use one.
• What are the symptoms of a failing thrust-bearing on a Navara D40?
  Noise when the clutch pedal is pressed (squeal, chirp, or growl), a rough or vibrating pedal, poor gear selection at a stop, and sometimes fluid weeping from the bellhousing.
• Should the thrust-bearing be replaced with the clutch?
  Absolutely. It shares the same labour as a clutch job, and fitting a new CSC/release bearing with the clutch kit helps avoid doing the job twice.