Parts for your 2013 Isuzu D-max-Thrust bearing

2013 Isuzu D‑MAX thrust-bearing

A thrust-bearing is relevant to the 2013 Isuzu D‑MAX. On manual-transmission models, the Isuzu D‑MAX (2012–2016) Service/Workshop Manual lists a clutch release (thrust) bearing as part of the clutch actuation assembly, and the Isuzu Electronic Parts Catalogue (RT50/RT85 series) includes a release bearing for manual variants. Separately, the 4JJ1‑TC engine technical literature specifies crankshaft thrust bearings incorporated at the main bearing journal to control end-float. Automatic-transmission D‑MAX models do not use a clutch release bearing, though they still employ engine thrust bearings.

On a 2013 D‑MAX with a manual ‘box, the thrust-bearing (also called the clutch release bearing) is the hard-working go-between that lets the clutch pedal load the pressure plate while everything spins smoothly. It rides on the gearbox input shaft sleeve, interfaces with the diaphragm fingers, and takes axial load whenever the pedal’s pressed. When healthy, gear changes feel clean and quiet. When tired, it can growl, squeal, or feel gritty underfoot.

Because the thrust-bearing lives inside the bellhousing, it’s treated as a replace-once-you’re-in-there item. Best practice is to fit a complete clutch kit—including pressure plate, friction disc, release bearing, and usually the spigot/pilot bearing—whenever the clutch is out. That saves double labour and keeps the pedal feel consistent. Tell‑tales of a crook thrust-bearing include noise that appears with the pedal depressed and fades when released, a notchy pedal, or engagement that feels inconsistent after a long hill or towing stint.

• Replace the thrust-bearing during any clutch job or gearbox removal.
• Act fast if there’s pedal-down noise, running a noisy bearing can chew out the pressure plate fingers.
• If the bellhousing shows oil contamination (rear main or input shaft seal), fix leaks and renew the bearing.

There’s no real “service” for the bearing itself—it’s sealed. What helps is good clutch hygiene: refresh brake/clutch fluid about every two years, don’t ride the pedal, and avoid holding the ute at lights with the clutch down. Those habits cut heat and load on the bearing and diaphragm.

• While in there, inspect the fork pivot and clip, guide tube, slave and master cylinder condition, and the spigot/pilot bearing. Lightly grease the fork pivot and guide tube, never pack grease into the bearing.
• Use an alignment tool, follow workshop torque specs, and bleed the hydraulics properly for a high, consistent bite point.

Done right, a quality thrust-bearing will clock plenty of kilometres and keep the D‑MAX shifting sweetly under Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

• What are the signs of a worn thrust-bearing on a 2013 D‑MAX?
  Classic signs are a growling or squealing noise only when the clutch pedal is pressed, a rough or pulsing pedal feel, and difficulty selecting gears after heavy use. If the noise disappears when the pedal is released, the release (thrust) bearing is the prime suspect.
• Should the thrust-bearing be replaced with the clutch?
  Yes. Because access requires gearbox removal, it’s smart to replace the thrust-bearing, pressure plate, friction disc, and pilot bearing together. That minimises labour costs and avoids mismatched wear that can lead to early return visits.
• Can a noisy thrust-bearing damage other parts?
  Left to howl, a failing bearing can score the pressure plate fingers, overheat the diaphragm, and contaminate the clutch disc if it fails catastrophically. Sorting it early protects the lot and keeps the pedal feel tidy.