Parts for your 2009 Nissan Serena-Thrust bearing

2009 Nissan Serena thrust-bearing: is it actually a thing on this model?

Short answer: for the 2009 Nissan Serena (C25) most commonly seen in Australia and New Zealand as Japanese imports with the MR20DE petrol engine and Xtronic CVT, a clutch thrust-bearing (often called a throwout or release bearing) isn’t fitted. The Serena uses a CVT with a torque converter, so there’s no manual clutch to operate and therefore no clutch release/thrust bearing to replace.

What the vehicle does have is an internal crankshaft thrust bearing (thrust washers) inside the engine’s main bearing set. That part controls the crank’s end-float, but it’s an internal engine component and not a routine service item. It only comes into play during an engine rebuild or if there’s a rare end-float issue.

Why it’s not used: the Xtronic CVT in the Serena replaces the manual clutch assembly with a hydraulic torque converter. Without a clutch fork and pressure plate, there’s no need for a thrust/release bearing at the gearbox input. Any thrust bearings within the CVT are specialised internal components and not serviced separately during normal maintenance.

• Chasing a “thrust-bearing” noise? On CVT Serenas, look instead at: CVT fluid condition and level (correct Nissan-spec fluid), front hub bearings, accessory pulleys, or engine mounts.
• Rare exceptions exist: some markets offered a diesel/6‑speed manual Serena. Those vehicles do use a clutch release bearing. If unsure, check the transmission code or VIN build data.

Technical references: Nissan Serena C25 Model Series Service Manual (Engine Mechanical MR20DE section – main/thrust bearing details), Transmission (CVT) section describing torque-converter Xtronic CVT with no clutch release mechanism, and Nissan FAST parts catalogue listings for C25 CVT variants (no clutch release bearing shown). Jatco Xtronic CVT technical literature further confirms the use of a torque converter and absence of a manual clutch release system.

If a parts search is returning “thrust-bearing” for a 2009 Serena, it’s usually a catalogue mismatch with manual-transmission models. For CVT-equipped vans, that part isn’t relevant to routine servicing.

Popular questions

Does a 2009 Nissan Serena have a clutch thrust/throwout bearing?
Most 2009 Serenas with the MR20DE and Xtronic CVT do not have a clutch thrust/throwout bearing. The CVT uses a torque converter instead of a manual clutch, so there’s no release bearing to service. Only manual-transmission variants (uncommon in AU/NZ) use a clutch release bearing.

What noises can be mistaken for a failed thrust-bearing on a CVT Serena?
Growling or whirring that changes with road speed is more likely a front hub bearing. A chirp or squeal at idle can come from accessory drive pulleys or the A/C compressor clutch. Shudder on take-off usually points to CVT fluid condition or mount issues rather than any “thrust” component.

Is the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing a service item?
No. The crankshaft thrust bearing is an internal engine part. It’s only inspected or replaced during an engine teardown or if there are symptoms of excessive end-float. Regular servicing—oil quality, correct CVT fluid, and mount checks—keeps drivetrain behaviour tidy without touching internal thrust washers.