Parts for your 2011 Honda Odyssey-Thrust bearing

2011 Honda Odyssey thrust bearing — what it does and how to look after it

Yes — a thrust bearing is fitted to the 2011 Honda Odyssey. Honda’s factory literature makes it clear: the J35-series V6 uses a crankshaft thrust bearing integrated into the main bearing set (commonly at the No. 4 main). See the 2011 Odyssey Service Manual engine section (crankshaft end play inspection/reassembly) and the Honda Genuine Parts Catalogue for the model year, which lists the upper/lower thrust bearing pieces. Honda’s 5-speed/6-speed automatic transmission manuals also describe internal needle-type thrust bearings inside the transmission, though those aren’t routine service items.

On this Odyssey, “thrust bearing” refers to the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing, not a clutch release/throwout bearing (there’s no manual clutch here). Its job is to control the crankshaft’s end float, keeping the crank located so the rotating assembly, timing drive, and torque converter load all stay in line. That prevents the crank from walking forwards and backwards, which would chew into bearings, skew oil clearances, and create nasty knocks under load.

It’s not a scheduled service item, but it deserves a bit of attention during bigger jobs. A good workshop will:

• Listen and check for symptoms: an axial knock when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, a metallic scrape under light load, visible in–out movement of the crank pulley, or glitter in the oil.
• Measure crankshaft end play with a dial indicator against the Honda spec in the service manual. If it’s out of spec, the thrust bearing and related parts get inspected.

Replacement is an engine-internals job, typically done during a rebuild or when end float is out of whack. The technician will remove the sump and bearing caps, inspect the crank thrust surfaces, and fit the correct colour-coded thrust/main bearing shells per Honda’s selection chart, then re-measure end play. If the crank or block is worn, further machining or replacement may be required. Because automatic transmissions also place axial loads on the crank via the torque converter, fresh engine oil at the right grade and proper ATF changes help keep everything happy.

Takeaway for Aussie and Kiwi owners: there’s nothing to “service” on the thrust bearing at regular intervals, but if you notice odd knocks when selecting gears, unexplained metal in the oil, or high kilometres with past lubrication issues, organise an inspection and end-play check. Using quality oil, sticking to service intervals, and avoiding prolonged power-braking all help the thrust bearing live a long, quiet life.

• Popular questions about the 2011 Honda Odyssey thrust bearing

Does the 2011 Odyssey have a clutch thrust/throwout bearing?
No. The Odyssey runs an automatic, so there’s no manual clutch or throwout bearing. The “thrust bearing” people mention on this model is the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing inside the bottom end. The automatic transmission also has internal thrust needle bearings, but they’re addressed only during transmission overhauls.

When should the engine thrust bearing be replaced?
It’s not a routine replacement item. It’s addressed if crankshaft end play measures out of spec, or during an engine rebuild when bearings are renewed and clearances are set. A proper diagnosis involves measuring end float with a dial gauge and inspecting the thrust faces of the crank and main bearings before deciding on parts.

What are the signs of a worn thrust bearing on an Odyssey?
Common clues include a clunk or scrape when selecting Drive/Reverse, visible fore–aft movement of the crank pulley, metal particles in the oil, and bottom-end noise under load. Any of those should prompt an oil inspection and an end-play check against the Honda spec.