Parts for your 2013 Toyota Bb-Thrust bearing

2013 Toyota bB thrust-bearing – what it is, and whether your bB actually has one

Based on Toyota’s technical literature and parts cataloguing for the QNC20/21-series bB (the generation sold in 2013), a clutch thrust/release bearing is fitted only to vehicles built with the 5-speed manual transmission, 4-speed automatic models do not use this part. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue lists a clutch release bearing within the clutch assembly for 5MT grades, while the automatic transmission sections contain no clutch release components. Likewise, Toyota Repair Manual clutch sections cover a release bearing only for manual models, and the Automatic Transaxle section describes a torque converter with no clutch release mechanism. So, if the 2013 bB in question is automatic (as most NZ and Aussie imports are), a clutch thrust-bearing isn’t used. Note: the engine does have crankshaft thrust bearings integrated into the main bearings, but these aren’t routine service items and are only addressed during engine rebuilds.

For 2013 Toyota bB examples equipped with the 5-speed manual, the thrust-bearing (often called the release or throwout bearing) sits between the clutch fork and the pressure plate’s diaphragm spring. Its job is to let the rotating clutch assembly be smoothly disengaged when the driver presses the pedal. In daily driving, it cops a mix of axial and radial loads and needs smooth, quiet operation to prevent graunchy shifts or pedal feel that’s notchy or heavy.

As part of clutch servicing, the bearing is treated as a must-replace item whenever the clutch disc and pressure plate are renewed. That’s because labour to reach it is the bulk of the job, fitting a fresh bearing at the same time avoids paying twice. Typical symptoms of a tired bearing include a chirp or whirr that changes when the clutch pedal is lightly pressed, rough pedal action, and difficulty selecting gears from a standstill.

Best practice in Australia and New Zealand is to replace the clutch as a complete kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing, and pilot/spigot bearing where applicable). Ask the workshop to inspect the clutch fork pivot, guide tube, and rear main seal while the gearbox is out. Lightly grease only the specified contact points, over-greasing can fling onto the friction surfaces and cause slip or shudder.

Driving habits make a big difference. Avoid resting a foot on the pedal at lights, and don’t hold the car on the clutch on hills—use the brake. If the bB sees a lot of stop–start commuting, expect the bearing and clutch to be consumables over time, rural/open-road cars generally go much longer between overhauls.

• Replace the release bearing whenever the clutch is replaced.
• Listen for pedal-dependent noises and address early to protect the pressure plate.
• Use quality parts that match the bB’s engine and transmission code.

Technical basis: Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (QNC20/21) shows a clutch release bearing only for 5MT variants, Toyota Repair Manual sections cover the release bearing in the clutch chapter (manual) and no such part in the automatic transaxle chapter, which uses a torque converter.

Popular questions

Does my 2013 Toyota bB have a thrust-bearing?
If it’s a manual, yes—the clutch release bearing is fitted. If it’s an automatic (most used imports locally are), there’s no clutch release bearing, as the car uses a torque converter instead. The engine’s internal thrust bearings aren’t service items unless rebuilding the engine.

What are the signs the thrust (release) bearing is worn?
Listen for a chirp, squeal, or rumble that appears or changes when the clutch pedal is lightly pressed. You might also feel notchiness through the pedal or find it harder to select first or reverse. These issues are a cue to plan a clutch kit replacement, including the release bearing.

How much does replacement usually cost in AU/NZ?
Costs vary with labour rates and parts choice, but expect a clutch kit (with release bearing) plus labour to land in the mid-to-high hundreds to a couple of thousand AUD/NZD. It’s smart to renew the rear main seal and inspect the fork and pivot while the gearbox is out to avoid repeat labour.