Parts for your 2014 Honda Odyssey-Thrust bearing

2014 Honda Odyssey thrust-bearing: what it is, whether it’s there, and how to look after it

Yes, a thrust-bearing is fitted to the 2014 Honda Odyssey. Technical sources including the Honda Workshop/Service Manual for the 2014 Odyssey (J35-series 3.5L V6) identify crankshaft thrust bearings/washers at a main journal to control end float. Honda’s genuine parts catalogues for the J35Y6 engine list thrust washers as part of the main bearing set. The 6‑speed automatic uses a torque converter (so there’s no clutch release/throw-out bearing), and while the transmission contains internal thrust/needle bearings, those aren’t routine service items. So when talking “thrust-bearing” on this model, it’s the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing.

On the J35 V6, the thrust-bearing’s job is to keep the crankshaft from walking fore and aft under axial loads from the torque converter, accessory belt drive, and normal combustion forces. By controlling end play, it protects main bearings, the crank, and the transmission pump drive. When healthy, you never notice it, when worn, it can show up as odd driveline clunks when shifting into gear, visible crank pulley movement, metallic glitter in the oil, or changes in idle quality when the A/C cycles.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval for the thrust-bearing on a 2014 Odyssey. It’s an internal engine component that’s checked during major repair or rebuild. Good oil habits go a long way here—use the correct oil grade (Honda specifies 0W‑20) and keep to service intervals, as clean, well‑pressurised oil is the thrust-bearing’s lifeblood.

If symptoms point to end‑play issues, inspection involves measuring crankshaft end float with a dial indicator against Honda spec. Replacement is engine‑out or at least sump and bedplate off: the main bearing cap assembly is removed, thrust washers/bearings are sized and replaced, clearances verified with plastigauge or micrometer methods, and the crank thrust faces inspected for scoring. It’s common to renew the full main bearing set, rear main seal, and bedplate sealant once you’re in there. This isn’t typically a driveway job, it’s best handled by a workshop familiar with Honda J‑series engines.

• Watch for: metal in oil, harsh engagement when selecting Drive/Reverse, or audible knocks that change with load.
• Service tip: if the engine’s out for another reason (e.g., timing belt service on high‑km vehicles or major oil leaks), it’s smart to check end play while access is easy.

Technical references consulted: Honda 2014 Odyssey Workshop Manual (Engine Block—Crankshaft/Thrust Washer procedures), Honda Genuine Parts Catalogue for J35‑series V6, and general bearing design notes in SAE literature on journal/thrust bearings.

Popular questions

Does the 2014 Honda Odyssey have a thrust-bearing?
It does. The J35 V6 uses crankshaft thrust washers/bearings at a main journal to control end float. It’s not a clutch release bearing (the Odyssey is automatic), and it isn’t a routine service item unless measurements show excessive end play or the engine is being rebuilt.

What are the signs of a worn thrust-bearing on an Odyssey?
Common clues include a clunk when selecting Drive or Reverse, visible crank pulley movement in and out, fine metallic particles in the engine oil, or idle changes with accessory load. A proper diagnosis involves measuring crank end play against Honda’s spec.

When should the thrust-bearing be replaced?
Usually only during an engine rebuild or if end‑play is out of spec and causing issues. The job requires significant labour, specialised measuring tools, and access to the bottom end, so most owners address it alongside other major engine work.