Parts for your 2010 Nissan Serena-Thrust bearing

2010 Nissan Serena thrust-bearing — is it fitted or relevant?

Short answer: a clutch “thrust-bearing” (often called a clutch release bearing) isn’t used on the 2010 Nissan Serena. The C25/C26 Serena for this model year runs an Xtronic CVT automatic transaxle (Jatco RE0F10A/JF011E) rather than a manual gearbox. Per the Nissan Serena C25/C26 Service Manual (TM — CVT section) and Jatco JF011E technical literature, a conventional manual clutch assembly isn’t present, so there’s no external clutch thrust/release bearing to replace or service.

What the Serena does have is an internal engine crankshaft thrust bearing (thrust faces integrated into the main bearings) in its MR20-series engine. Nissan’s Engine Mechanical (EM) section for the MR20DE/MR20DD details thrust clearance checks during overhaul. That internal thrust bearing controls end-float of the crankshaft under axial loads, but it’s not a routine service item and isn’t accessible without engine disassembly. So, for owners and workshops looking for a “thrust-bearing” as a regular maintenance part on a 2010 Serena, it’s simply not applicable.

Why it isn’t used as a service part on this vehicle:

• CVT driveline: The Xtronic CVT uses a torque converter and a steel belt-and-pulley system, not a manual clutch, so there’s no clutch release/thrust bearing to fail or replace.
• FWD layout: There’s no prop shaft thrust bearing as found in some rear- or all-wheel-drive platforms.
• Engine thrust bearing is internal: As noted in Nissan EM documentation, it’s only inspected/measured during engine rebuild work.

If a Serena is showing noises on take-off, rumble at idle in Drive, or a whine that changes with road speed, don’t chase a non-existent clutch thrust bearing. Instead, diagnostics should focus on CVT pulley bearings, torque converter, CVT fluid condition and level (per the TM — CVT maintenance procedures), accessory drive idlers, or even wheel bearings.

Technical sources referenced: Nissan Serena C25/C26 Service Manual (TM — CVT, EM — Engine Mechanical), and Jatco JF011E (RE0F10A) CVT technical/overhaul information. These confirm the CVT fitment and the absence of a manual clutch release/thrust bearing on 2010 Serena models.

FAQs

Does a 2010 Nissan Serena have a clutch thrust/release bearing?
No. With the factory Xtronic CVT fitted, there’s no manual clutch assembly, so there’s no clutch release (thrust) bearing to service or replace. If you’re hearing drivetrain noise, look to CVT-related components and follow the CVT diagnostic steps in the Nissan TM section.

Is there any thrust bearing in the 2010 Serena at all?
Yes, internally. The MR20-series engine uses crankshaft thrust bearing faces within the main bearings to control end-float. They’re checked during engine overhaul (EM section) but aren’t a routine maintenance item and aren’t replaced unless wear or damage is found with the engine apart.

What should be checked if there’s a whine or grind on take-off?
Prioritise CVT fluid condition/level, CVT pulley bearings, torque converter, engine accessory idler/tensioner bearings, and front wheel bearings. A workshop scan for CVT temps/pressures and a road test per Nissan’s TM procedures will help pinpoint the source.