Parts for your 2013 Honda Civic-Thrust bearing

2013 Honda Civic thrust-bearing — what it is, where it’s used, and how to look after it

Yes, a thrust bearing is relevant to the 2013 Honda Civic. Factory technical literature for the 2012–2015 Civic platform (Honda service manual and parts catalogue) identifies two places where “thrust” bearings apply: the engine’s crankshaft uses thrust bearing surfaces within the main bearing set to control end float, and manual-transmission models use a clutch release bearing (commonly called a thrust bearing) to let the pressure plate disengage smoothly. Automatic/CVT cars don’t have a clutch release bearing, but the engine thrust bearing still exists in all variants.

The job of a thrust bearing is to handle axial (end-to-end) loads. In the engine, that protects the crankshaft from being pushed forward and backward by clutch loads, accessory drive loads and combustion forces. On manual Civics, the clutch release/thrust bearing rides the clutch fork and presses on the pressure plate’s diaphragm spring, letting the driver shift without noise or drag.

When it’s time to service a 2013 Civic, the thrust bearing isn’t a regular “maintenance” item, but it’s smart to check it whenever related parts are off. For manuals, replace the clutch release bearing every time the clutch is done—it’s standard practice and included in most quality clutch kits. Keep the clutch hydraulics bled with fresh, correct-spec brake/clutch fluid and make sure pedal feel is consistent, spongy hydraulics can make a healthy release bearing seem rough or noisy.

• Common manual-release bearing symptoms: chirping or rumbling with the clutch pedal depressed, rough engagement, or hard shifting.
• Engine thrust bearing red flags: noticeable crankshaft end-play clunk, clutch pedal that changes bite point under load, metallic debris in the sump (rare but serious).

Engine thrust bearings are part of the main bearing assembly and require bottom-end disassembly to replace—this is a specialist job, typically done during an engine rebuild or if end float is out of spec as per the Honda service manual. For a manual gearbox Civic, clutch/release-bearing replacement is a transmission-out job, a competent workshop will inspect the fork, pivot and guide surfaces, lightly grease contact points with the correct high-temp lubricant, and torque the gearbox and mount hardware to spec.

Technical basis: Honda factory service information for the 2012–2015 Civic details the crankshaft main/thrust bearing arrangement and, on manual models, specifies a clutch release (thrust) bearing as part of the clutch system.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Honda Civic have a thrust bearing?
Yes. All engines use a crankshaft thrust bearing. If the car is a manual, it also has a clutch release (thrust) bearing. Automatics/CVTs don’t have the clutch release bearing, but the engine thrust bearing is still present.

What are the signs the thrust bearing is failing on a manual 2013 Civic?
Listen for a chirp or rumble that appears when the clutch pedal is pressed and disappears when it’s released. You might also notice notchiness going into gear or a pedal that feels rough. If noises occur with the pedal up, look to the input shaft bearing or other rotating parts instead.

How much does it cost to replace the thrust (release) bearing on a 2013 Civic manual?
It’s usually done with a full clutch kit. Expect roughly 4–7 hours of labour plus parts, so ballpark AUD/NZD $900–$1,800 depending on model, region and parts choice. Engine thrust bearing replacement is a rebuild-level job and typically far more.