Parts for your 2013 Toyota Crown-Thrust bearing

2013 Toyota Crown thrust-bearing

Based on technical literature, the 2013 Toyota Crown does use thrust bearings. Toyota’s Repair Manual (EM—Engine Mechanical) for the 4GR‑FSE/2GR‑FSE V6 and 2AR‑FSE hybrid engines specifies a thrust bearing integrated in the main bearing set to control crankshaft end float. Toyota New Car Features (NCF) and Aisin automatic transmission overhaul manuals for the AA80E/AA81E and Toyota hybrid e‑CVT also describe internal thrust bearings/washers that locate gearsets. As the 2013 Crown is auto or hybrid only, there’s no separate clutch release (thrust) bearing like a manual would have.

On the 2013 Crown, the thrust bearing’s main job is to keep the crankshaft from wandering fore and aft. It sits as part of the engine’s main bearings (typically at the centre main), handling axial loads from the torque converter, accessory drive, and transmission coupling. By capping end float, it maintains proper oil pump drive alignment, timing integrity, and consistent crank sensor phasing, which all help the Crown idle smoothly and shift cleanly.

The auto and hybrid transmissions fitted to the Crown also use internal thrust bearings and selective thrust washers to hold planetary gearsets in place. Those are not routine service items and are addressed only during a transmission overhaul.

For regular servicing, a thrust bearing isn’t something that’s replaced on a schedule. Prevention is the name of the game: clean engine oil of the correct viscosity, timely ATF changes on AA80E/AA81E units, and prompt attention to flexplate, torque converter, or front seal issues. Healthy engine and transmission mounts also reduce shock loads into the crankshaft.

• Signs it may be crook: metallic glitter in the sump or filter, noticeable fore‑aft movement of the crank pulley, a dull knock that changes when selecting D or R, unusual crank/cam correlation faults, or rapid flexplate/converter snout wear.
• Good service habits: stick to proper oil and ATF specs, check converter and flexplate runout during any gearbox work, and measure crank end float whenever the sump or front cover is off.

If replacement is needed, it’s precision work. The engine bottom end is opened, crankshaft end float is measured with a dial gauge against the Toyota EM spec, and the thrust half‑shells at the designated main journal are renewed. Bearing clearances are confirmed (commonly with Plastigage), caps are torqued to spec, and end float is re‑checked. For AA80E/AA81E or the hybrid transaxle, thrust components are replaced only as part of a full rebuild with selective shims per Aisin/Toyota procedures. Quality parts matter here—genuine or proven aftermarket bearings matched to the block’s grade marks are the safe bet.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Toyota Crown have a thrust bearing?
Yes. The engines (4GR‑FSE, 2GR‑FSE and 2AR‑FSE hybrid) have a crankshaft thrust bearing as part of the main bearing set. The auto and hybrid transmissions also use internal thrust bearings/washers. There’s no separate clutch release bearing because the Crown wasn’t sold with a manual box in this year.

Is thrust bearing replacement part of regular servicing?
No. It’s not a scheduled item. It’s checked when there are symptoms or when the engine bottom end is open for other work. Transmission thrust bearings are dealt with only during a full transmission overhaul.

What causes thrust bearing wear on a Crown?
Common contributors include low or dirty engine oil, misaligned or damaged torque converter/flexplate, harsh driveline shocks from failed mounts, and contaminated/overheated ATF in the auto. Staying on top of fluids and fixing converter or flexplate issues early goes a long way to preventing trouble.