Parts for your 2013 Nissan Serena-Thrust bearing

2013 Nissan Serena thrust bearing — is it actually there?

Short answer: a separate clutch thrust bearing (also called a release bearing) isn’t fitted to the 2013 Nissan Serena (C26). That model runs Nissan’s Xtronic CVT automatic, not a manual gearbox, so there’s no clutch assembly and no release/thrust bearing to service. This is confirmed in the Nissan C26 Serena Service Manual (Transmission/Transaxle sections), the Nissan FAST parts catalogue for C26, and JATCO technical descriptions for the RE0F10A/JF011E and RE0F10D/JF016E CVT units, which use a torque converter rather than a manual clutch release mechanism.

What the Serena does have are internal thrust bearings within the CVT and crankshaft thrust washers inside the engine. Both are integral to their assemblies and aren’t routine service items. The crankshaft thrust bearings are part of the main bearing set and are only inspected/replaced during an engine rebuild or when diagnosing excessive crank end-float. The CVT’s internal thrust elements are not serviced separately, the focus for longevity is fluid condition, temperature control, and software calibration.

Why it’s not used on this vehicle: with the Xtronic CVT (RE0F10A/RE0F10D), drive take-up is managed by a torque converter and a steel belt between variable pulleys. There’s no clutch pedal and no release fork, so there’s no external thrust/release bearing to wear out or replace—hence you won’t find a “thrust bearing” listed as a standalone part for this Serena in factory diagrams.

If a driver reports symptoms often blamed on a “bad thrust bearing” (whirring at idle, noise when selecting gear, vibration under load), the usual checks on a C26 Serena should be:

• CVT fluid condition and level (use Nissan NS-2 or NS-3 as specified on the trans tag), serviced roughly every 60,000–90,000 km depending on use.
• Front wheel bearings, engine/gearbox mounts, and ancillary pulleys/belts.
• Software updates and CVT temperature/pressure diagnostics per the service manual.

Technical references: Nissan C26 Serena Service Manual (TM and CVT sections), Nissan FAST parts catalogue for C26 (no clutch release bearing listed for CVT), and JATCO JF011E/JF016E technical overviews describing torque-converter CVT architecture.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Nissan Serena have a clutch thrust/release bearing?
No. The C26 Serena is fitted with an Xtronic CVT (RE0F10A/JF011E or RE0F10D/JF016E), which uses a torque converter instead of a manual clutch. Because there’s no clutch fork or pressure plate, there’s no separate thrust/release bearing to replace.

Are there any thrust bearings in the Serena at all?
Yes, but not as routine service items. The engine has crankshaft thrust washers integrated with the main bearings, and the CVT contains internal thrust elements. These are only addressed during engine or transmission overhaul, not during regular servicing.

What maintenance helps prevent “thrust-bearing-like” noises on a Serena?
Stay on top of CVT fluid changes with the correct Nissan spec (NS-2 or NS-3 as marked), check front wheel bearings and engine mounts, and keep accessory belts and pulleys in good nick. Many noises blamed on a “thrust bearing” in other cars are, on a Serena, more likely CVT, bearing, or mount related.