Parts for your 2012 Nissan Pathfinder-Thrust bearing

2012 Nissan Pathfinder thrust-bearing — what it is, when it’s used, and how to look after it

On the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (R51), a thrust bearing is relevant on models fitted with the 6‑speed manual gearbox. In Australian and New Zealand parts catalogues and workshops, this is commonly called the clutch release (thrust) bearing. Nissan’s R51 Factory Service Manual (CL – Clutch section, TM/MT – Manual Transmission) details the release bearing’s role in the clutch assembly, while the AT/RE5R05A automatic section shows there’s no clutch release bearing on autos, as they use a torque converter. Nissan FAST parts catalogues also list a clutch release/thrust bearing for manual variants. The engine itself has crankshaft thrust bearings inside the block, but those aren’t the clutch thrust bearing people usually mean when servicing.

Where it’s fitted, the thrust bearing transfers the pedal effort from the clutch fork (or a concentric slave cylinder) into smooth, low‑friction force on the pressure plate fingers. That lets the driver disengage the clutch cleanly, protecting the gearbox from shock and making shifts nice and tidy.

• Common signs it’s on the way out: a chirp, squeal, or rumble that appears with the clutch pedal depressed and disappears when released, a notchy pedal feel, or shudder on take‑off.
• There’s no fixed replacement interval. Best practice is to replace the thrust bearing whenever the clutch is out for service, even if it still spins, because the incremental labour is minimal once the gearbox is down.

Service tips for a 2012 Pathfinder manual:

• Replace as a set: clutch disc, pressure plate, release (thrust) bearing, and pilot/spigot bearing. Inspect the fork, pivot ball, guide tube, and the rear main seal for weeps.
• Lightly lube the fork contact points and guide tube with high‑temp moly grease, keep grease off the bearing face and clutch friction material.
• Bleed/flush the clutch hydraulic fluid every 2 years. Dirty fluid can cause a dragging feel and shorten component life.
• Follow Factory Service Manual torque specs and alignment procedures for the R51 platform.

Build differences matter: some R51 manuals use a concentric slave cylinder (CSC) that integrates the hydraulic slave and the release/thrust bearing. If that’s the case on a given Pathfinder, the “bearing” is replaced with the CSC assembly as one unit. If it uses a traditional fork‑mounted bearing with an external slave, the bearing is separate.

For 5‑speed automatic models (RE5R05A), there is no clutch thrust bearing. If there’s driveline noise on an auto, look instead to the torque converter, front pump, idlers, or accessory bearings.

Does a 2012 Pathfinder have a thrust bearing?

Manual versions do — it’s the clutch release (thrust) bearing described in the Nissan R51 service manual’s clutch section. Automatic versions don’t use one because they have a torque converter instead of a manual clutch. Separately, the engine has internal crankshaft thrust bearings, which are unrelated to the clutch service item most owners ask about.

What are the tell‑tale symptoms of a failing thrust bearing on a Pathfinder?

Noises that change with the clutch pedal are the giveaway: a squeal, chirp, or rumble that appears when the pedal is pressed and disappears when released. You might also feel a rough or notchy pedal, or get grabby engagement. If noise is constant regardless of pedal position, look elsewhere (pilot bearing, input shaft bearing, idlers, or pulley bearings).

Should the slave cylinder be replaced at the same time as the thrust bearing?

Often, yes. If the vehicle has a concentric slave cylinder (CSC), the release/thrust bearing is integrated with it and the whole unit is replaced together. If it’s an external slave with a fork‑mounted bearing, replace the bearing, inspect/replace the slave if it’s weeping or sluggish, and bleed the hydraulics with fresh fluid.