Parts for your 2013 Lexus Is-Thrust bearing

2013 Lexus IS thrust bearing — is it actually fitted?

Short answer for Australia and New Zealand market cars: a serviceable “thrust-bearing” isn’t a thing on the 2013 Lexus IS range. According to Lexus Technical Information System (TIS) repair manuals and the Toyota/Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the GSE20/GSE21 family, the 2013 IS 250 and IS 350 here were sold with 6‑speed automatics (A960E for IS 250, A760E for IS 350), while the IS F runs the AA80E 8‑speed auto. None of these use a clutch release/thrust bearing. Local model specifications published by Lexus Australia and Lexus New Zealand for MY13 show no manual-transmission option, which is the setup that would require a clutch “thrust” (release) bearing.

What about other thrust bearings? The engine itself does have crankshaft thrust bearings integrated into the main bearing set to control end-float, but these aren’t a scheduled service item and aren’t referred to or sold as a standalone “thrust-bearing” in normal maintenance. Automatic transmissions also have internal thrust bearings/washers, but again, these are internal components addressed only during a transmission overhaul, not routine servicing.

Why it isn’t used on local cars: on a manual, the thrust/release bearing sits between the clutch fork and pressure plate diaphragm, taking axial load when the clutch is depressed. With a torque-converter automatic, there’s no clutch pedal or pressure plate, so there’s no external release/thrust bearing to service or replace.

If someone’s chasing a “thrust-bearing” because of noise, it’s worth checking items that commonly get mistaken for it on autos:

• Front auxiliary bearings and pulleys (idler/tensioner) and the serpentine belt
• Torque converter or front pump noises in the auto transmission
• Engine mounts or driveline mounts transmitting vibration under load

Technical sources referenced: Lexus TIS Repair Manuals (GSE20/GSE21/USE20 series, 2013 model year), Toyota/Lexus EPC for the above models, and Lexus Australia/NZ 2013 IS model specifications confirming automatic-only availability in these markets.

Popular questions about 2013 Lexus IS thrust bearings

Does a 2013 Lexus IS have a clutch thrust (release) bearing?
For Australia and New Zealand cars, no. The 2013 IS 250/350 were automatic-only, and the IS F is also automatic. A clutch thrust/release bearing is only present on manual-transmission versions sold in some overseas markets.

What noise is often mistaken for a failed thrust bearing on an auto IS 250/350?
Owners sometimes report a chirp or whirr at idle or on cold start and assume it’s a thrust bearing. On the auto IS, it’s more likely the serpentine belt, idler/tensioner pulley bearings, or in rarer cases, torque converter/front pump noise. A quick belt-and-pulley inspection usually narrows it down.

Are engine crankshaft thrust bearings a service item on the 4GR‑FSE/2GR‑FSE?
No. They’re part of the main bearing assembly and only inspected or replaced during engine teardown. Regular servicing (oil changes with the correct spec and intervals) is the best preventative measure to protect all bottom-end bearings, including the thrust faces.