Parts for your 2012 Holden Commodore-Thrust bearing

2012 Holden Commodore thrust-bearing: what it does, when it’s needed, and how to look after it

Based on Holden’s VE Series II service documentation and GM’s parts catalogues for the Aisin AY6 and Tremec TR-6060 gearboxes, a thrust-bearing (also called a clutch release or throwout bearing, often integrated with a concentric slave cylinder) is fitted to 2012 Holden Commodore models with a manual transmission, such as SV6 and SS variants. For 2012 Commodores with the 6L50 or 6L80 automatic, there’s no clutch thrust-bearing at all, so it’s not relevant to those vehicles.

On manual Commodores, the thrust-bearing’s job is simple but crucial: when the driver presses the clutch pedal, hydraulic pressure moves the bearing against the clutch’s diaphragm spring, cleanly disengaging drive so gears can be selected without crunching. On the VE Series II, this bearing is typically part of a concentric slave cylinder assembly sitting over the gearbox input shaft, which keeps pedal feel light and engagement consistent.

There’s no fixed service interval for the thrust-bearing. It’s a replace-on-condition item and is commonly renewed whenever the clutch is replaced, because the gearbox is already out. Telltale signs it’s on the way out include:

• A whirring, chirping, or grinding noise that changes when the clutch pedal is pressed
• Notchy engagement or clutch pedal feel that’s rough or inconsistent
• Fluid leaks from the bellhousing area on CSC-equipped cars

Best practice during clutch work on a 2012 Commodore manual is to:

• Replace the thrust-bearing/CSC as a kit with the clutch and pressure plate
• Inspect or renew the pilot/spigot bearing and machine or replace the flywheel if needed
• Use the correct spec brake/clutch fluid (DOT 4) and bleed the system thoroughly to prevent a spongy pedal
• Torque all fasteners to workshop manual specs and check for any gearbox input shaft wear

Good driving habits help the bearing live a long life: avoid riding the clutch at lights, don’t hold the car on hills with the pedal, and keep shifts smooth. If a noise is present only when the pedal is depressed, get it checked early—leaving a failing CSC too long can escalate the repair.

Note: the engine also has an internal crankshaft thrust bearing (within the main bearings), but that’s unrelated to the clutch release bearing and isn’t a routine service item unless the engine is being overhauled.

Popular questions

Does my 2012 Commodore have a thrust-bearing?
Manual models (SV6, SS, SS V/Redline) do. They use a clutch release bearing, usually integrated with a concentric slave cylinder. Automatic models don’t have a clutch thrust-bearing, so the part isn’t applicable there.

What are the symptoms of a worn thrust-bearing on a VE Series II?
Listen for a whirring, squeal, or grinding that appears when the clutch pedal is pressed and disappears when released. You might also feel a rough pedal or notice inconsistent engagement. If fluid is weeping from the bellhousing, the CSC may be leaking as well.

When should it be replaced, and how long does the job take?
There’s no set kilometre interval—replace it with the clutch or if symptoms show up. Because the gearbox has to come out, most workshops bundle it with a clutch kit. Expect a day’s work in typical conditions, depending on model and any extra flywheel or hydraulic work.