Parts for your 2012 Toyota Camry-Thrust bearing

2012 Toyota Camry – Thrust Bearing

For the Australian and New Zealand–market 2012 Toyota Camry (XV50), a serviceable “thrust bearing” isn’t a relevant part in normal maintenance. These models were supplied with a 6‑speed automatic (U760E for 4‑cyl, U660E for V6) or hybrid e‑CVT transaxle (P310), and no manual gearbox was offered. That means there’s no clutch release/throw‑out bearing (often called a thrust bearing) to replace. Technical sources: Toyota Australia 2012 Camry specifications (XV50), Toyota New Car Features (NCF) for XV50 covering U760E/U660E and P310 transaxles, and Toyota Repair Manual EM sections for 2AR‑FE/2GR‑FE engines.

What the Camry does have is an internal crankshaft thrust bearing surface built into the No. 3 main bearing assembly, used to control crankshaft end float. Toyota’s engine mechanical procedures for 2AR‑FE and 2GR‑FE specify thrust clearance checks and the flanged main bearing design. This internal thrust function isn’t a periodic service item—it’s only inspected during engine repair or overhaul, or if end float symptoms are suspected.

• No manual transmission in AU/NZ 2012 Camry models, so no clutch thrust/release bearing to service or replace.
• Automatic and hybrid transaxles use internal thrust bearings/washers, but these are inside the unit and not serviced separately during routine servicing.
• The engine’s thrust control is part of the main bearing set, it’s not replaced unless the bottom end is being rebuilt.

If you’ve seen “thrust bearing” listed for this Camry in generic parts catalogues, it’s usually referring to a manual clutch release bearing (not applicable here) or to internal engine/transmission components that aren’t stand‑alone service parts in normal workshop maintenance.

Does a 2012 Camry have a thrust bearing at all?

Yes, internally. The engine uses a thrust‑flanged main bearing to control crankshaft end float, as detailed in Toyota’s EM procedures for 2AR‑FE/2GR‑FE. It’s not a routine service item and isn’t replaced unless the engine is apart. There’s no external clutch thrust/release bearing because the AU/NZ cars are auto or hybrid.

How would someone spot a worn engine thrust bearing on a 2012 Camry?

Typical clues are excessive crank end float—visible pulley fore‑aft movement, intermittent knock at idle that changes with load, or hard‑to‑pinpoint vibration. Proper diagnosis needs end‑play measurement against the Toyota spec using a dial indicator. If it’s out of spec, the fix involves engine bottom‑end work—best left to a specialist.

Does the automatic transmission have a thrust bearing that needs servicing?

The U760E/U660E autos and the hybrid P310 use internal thrust bearings/washers, but they’re not separate maintenance items. If there’s an internal trans issue (noise, debris, pressure faults), the remedy is overhaul or replacement, regular fluid changes per Toyota guidance are the preventative step a workshop will take.