Parts for your 2010 Lexus Is-Thrust bearing

2010 Lexus IS thrust-bearing: what’s fitted and how to look after it

Verdict first: a thrust bearing is relevant to the 2010 Lexus IS. Factory technical information for the 4GR‑FSE (IS 250), 2GR‑FSE (IS 350) and 2UR‑GSE (IS F) engines shows a crankshaft thrust bearing integrated into the main bearing set. On models with a manual gearbox, the clutch assembly also uses a release bearing that’s commonly called a “thrust bearing” in Australia and New Zealand. Automatic models don’t have a clutch thrust bearing, but they still have the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing. This is documented in Lexus/Toyota service manuals (Engine Mechanical and Clutch sections on Toyota TIS) and confirmed by Toyota EPC parts listings that specify thrust faces on the applicable main bearing journal and a clutch release bearing for manual IS variants.

What the thrust bearing does depends on which one we’re talking about. In the engine, the thrust bearing controls the crankshaft’s endfloat so the crank can’t shuffle back and forth under clutch or converter load. It’s vital to oil pressure stability and timing gear alignment, but it’s not a routine service item—usually only touched during a bottom‑end rebuild or when diagnosing unusual endfloat.

For manual IS 250s, the clutch thrust (release) bearing is a normal wear component. It rides the clutch diaphragm spring when the pedal’s pressed, letting the pressure plate release smoothly. If it’s noisy or rough, shifts can get crunchy and you’ll often hear a whirring or squeal that changes when you dip the clutch.

• Common signs the clutch thrust bearing needs attention:
  • Whirring, chirping or growling as the pedal is depressed
  • Pedal feel goes notchy or vibrates
  • Hard to select gears at a standstill
• Best practice when servicing:
  • Replace the thrust bearing whenever the clutch is out—do it as a kit with disc and pressure plate
  • Use quality components (OE or reputable brands) and lightly grease the fork pivot and guide tube—never the bearing face
  • Inspect the clutch fork, pivot ball and guide tube for wear, replace the pilot/spigot bearing while you’re there
  • Resurface or replace the flywheel if heat-spotted or cracked

For automatics, there’s no clutch thrust bearing to service. If chasing axial movement or odd noises in any 2010 IS variant, a technician will measure crankshaft endfloat against Lexus specs, excessive play points to engine thrust bearing wear and calls for engine-out bottom‑end work rather than regular maintenance.

Popular questions about 2010 Lexus IS thrust bearings

Does every 2010 Lexus IS have a thrust bearing?
Yes—every engine has a crankshaft thrust bearing. Only manual-transmission cars also have a clutch release (thrust) bearing. Automatic models don’t use a clutch thrust bearing.

When should the clutch thrust bearing be replaced?
Replace it whenever the clutch is out, or sooner if there’s noise when you press the pedal, roughness in the pedal, or difficulty selecting gears. It’s usually done as part of a full clutch kit.

Can the clutch thrust bearing be changed without removing the gearbox?
No. The gearbox has to come out to access the clutch and release bearing. The engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing, if worn, requires engine bottom‑end disassembly.