Parts for your 2009 Toyota Blade-Thrust bearing

2009 Toyota Blade thrust-bearing — is it actually a thing?

Short answer: a clutch thrust-bearing isn’t used on the 2009 Toyota Blade. Toyota’s own technical literature — the E150-series New Car Features manual, the Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), and the factory repair manuals for the Super CVT‑i and the U660E 6‑speed automatic — show the Blade was sold with either a CVT (2.4‑litre 2AZ‑FE) or a 6‑speed automatic (3.5‑litre 2GR‑FE Blade Master). Neither drivetrain uses a manual clutch or a clutch release/thrust (throwout) bearing.

Why no thrust-bearing? Because the Blade’s CVT and automatic use a torque converter and internal multi‑plate clutches. There’s no clutch fork, pressure plate, or release bearing to push against a diaphragm spring — the parts that need a thrust/throwout bearing in a manual. The EPC listings for the Blade’s transmissions show torque converter assemblies and internal bearings, but no external clutch release bearing or related hardware.

What owners sometimes mean by “thrust-bearing” on this model can be one of two different parts:

• Front strut top bearing (steering pivot bearing): sits in the MacPherson strut mount to let the spring/strut turn smoothly. It can wear, causing creaks, graunching, or notchy steering. It’s serviced as part of a strut mount/bearing kit.
• Engine crankshaft thrust bearing (thrust washers): controls crank end‑float inside the engine. It’s part of the main bearing set and not a routine service item, it’s inspected or replaced only during engine rebuilds or when diagnosing end‑float issues.

If the hunt was for a clutch thrust/throwout bearing specifically, it’s not applicable to a 2009 Blade. For steering noises or notchy feel, a strut top bearing is the likely suspect. For driveline shudder at idle or take‑off, look instead at the torque converter, engine/trans mounts, or CVT/AT service requirements as outlined in Toyota’s repair manual.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for E150‑series Blade, Toyota New Car Features (NCF) for E150 Auris/Blade, Toyota repair manuals for Super CVT‑i and U660E automatic transmissions — all of which detail no manual clutch or release/thrust bearing on this model.

Popular questions about 2009 Toyota Blade thrust-bearing

Does a 2009 Toyota Blade have a clutch thrust/throwout bearing?

No. With CVT or 6‑speed automatic only, there’s no manual clutch assembly, so there’s no clutch release/thrust bearing fitted. If there’s noise on take‑off, look to the torque converter, mounts, or driveshafts instead.

What’s the “bearing” at the top of the front struts, and does it need servicing?

That’s the strut top (steering) bearing. It lets the strut rotate as you steer. It’s not a periodic service item, but when worn it can cause clunks, twangs, or heavy/notchy steering. Replacement is done with the strut out, many shops fit a new mount and bearing together.

Do the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearings need regular replacement?

Not in normal servicing. They’re internal to the engine and checked during rebuilds or if there’s excessive crank end‑float, harsh engagement, or odd noises under load. Routine oil changes with the correct spec help protect them.