Parts for your 2013 Volvo Xc60-Thrust bearing

2013 Volvo XC60 thrust-bearing: what it is, where it’s used, and how to look after it

Technical documentation confirms a thrust-bearing is relevant to the 2013 Volvo XC60. Volvo’s workshop system (VIDA) for the P3-platform XC60 specifies a thrust/strut bearing at the top of the MacPherson front strut on all variants, enabling smooth steering rotation under suspension load. Volvo EPC (parts catalogue) shows this bearing integrated with the front strut top mount assembly. For transmission: a clutch release (thrust) bearing is fitted only to manual-gearbox XC60s (per Volvo M66 clutch service info), Aisin AW TF‑80SC/TF‑81SC automatic models do not use a clutch release bearing. The engine’s crankshaft thrust surfaces exist but are not routine service items.

On this XC60, the thrust-bearing that owners will most commonly deal with is the front strut top thrust-bearing. Its job is to let the spring and strut rotate freely as the steering turns, preventing binding and chatter. When it’s healthy, steering feels light and consistent, and the car tracks true. When it’s tired, drivers may notice notchy steering, a groan or creak at low speeds, vague on-centre feel, or uneven tyre wear from the front end fighting itself.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to keep an ear out for noises on lock and to check front-end feel over speed humps and while parking. There’s no fixed replacement interval, most bearings last well beyond 100,000 km, but local conditions, big wheels, and rough roads can shorten life. Anytime front struts are removed—say, for shocks or springs—it’s smart money to replace the thrust-bearing and top mount together. Parts are affordable compared with the labour to pull the strut again.

• Symptoms worth a closer look: heavy or jerky steering, clicking on turn-in, spring “twang”, and front-end clunks.
• Best practice at replacement: renew the thrust-bearing, top mount, and spring seat as a set, inspect bump stops and dust boots, perform a wheel alignment afterwards.
• Workshop tips: use proper spring compressors, mark strut orientation, and torque fasteners with the vehicle at ride height to avoid bush preload.

For manual XC60s, the clutch release (thrust) bearing lives inside the bellhousing and is typically replaced with the clutch kit. If the car is an auto, there’s no clutch thrust-bearing to worry about—focus remains on the front strut thrust-bearings for steering smoothness.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Volvo XC60 with an automatic have a clutch thrust-bearing?
Automatic XC60s use an Aisin torque-converter transmission, so there’s no clutch release (thrust) bearing. The thrust-bearing owners will encounter is the front strut top bearing that aids steering. Manual models do have a clutch release bearing and it’s usually replaced with the clutch assembly.

What are the tell-tale signs the front strut thrust-bearing is worn?
Look for notchy or heavy steering at parking speeds, a creak or groan when turning the wheel, and a spring “twang” as the front end loads and unloads. Steering that won’t self-centre cleanly or uneven front tyre wear can also point to a tired thrust-bearing or top mount.

Should the thrust-bearing be replaced on its own or with other parts?
It’s common to replace the thrust-bearing along with the top mount and spring seat while the strut is out, as labour overlaps. Many workshops also check the shock absorbers, bump stops, and dust boots at the same time, then finish with a wheel alignment to lock in proper handling and tyre life.