Parts for your 2014 Honda Stream-Thrust bearing

2014 Honda Stream thrust-bearing: what it is, where it lives, and when to worry

Based on Honda technical references—the Honda Stream RN6–RN9 workshop manual (Engine Mechanical: Crankshaft and End Play) and Honda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the R18A/R20A engines—the 2014 Honda Stream does use a thrust-bearing. It’s the crankshaft thrust-bearing integrated into the main bearing set (typically at the centre main). As per Honda drivetrain specifications for late RN-series Stream models, most vehicles are fitted with a 5‑speed automatic or CVT, so there’s no conventional manual clutch release “thrust” bearing on these cars.

On the 2014 Stream, the thrust-bearing’s purpose is to control the crankshaft’s fore‑and‑aft movement inside the block. Every time the engine sees axial load—from the torque converter pushing through the flexplate, serpentine belt loads, or the odd driveline shock—the thrust-bearing stops the crank from walking. That keeps the crank sensor target aligned, maintains oil clearances, and protects the block and gearbox interface. When it’s healthy, you’ll never think about it, when it’s worn, end float grows, noise creeps in, and collateral damage can follow.

As a service item, the thrust-bearing isn’t something that gets replaced on a routine schedule. It’s checked when the bottom end is apart or if there are symptoms that point to excessive end play. Good oil, the right viscosity, and regular changes help reduce wear, because the thrust faces rely on a proper oil film just like the main journals.

Replacement is a workshop job, not a driveway quickie. The sump comes off, bearing caps are removed, and the crank’s end play is measured against the factory spec with a dial indicator. If the thrust faces or crank cheeks are marked, machining and an oversize bearing set may be needed. Always re-measure end play after installing the new bearings and use assembly lube on the thrust faces during reassembly.

• Common signs worth investigating:
  • A noticeable fore‑aft movement of the crank pulley or strange scraping/knock at idle.
  • Metallic glitter in the oil, fluctuating idle or timing anomalies as the crank sensor gap changes.
  • On rare manual variants abroad: stalling or drag when the clutch is depressed. Most 2014 Streams locally are auto/CVT, so this won’t apply.
• Best practice:
  • Stick to quality engine oil and change intervals.
  • If the engine is out for other work, have end play checked and recorded.
  • Use genuine or high‑quality bearings and follow the Honda workshop manual procedures.

Does a 2014 Honda Stream have a thrust-bearing?

Yes. The 2014 Stream’s R18A/R20A engine uses a crankshaft thrust-bearing integrated into the main bearings. With most cars being 5‑speed auto or CVT, there isn’t a conventional manual clutch release bearing to service.

When should the thrust-bearing be replaced?

Only if end play is out of spec or during an engine rebuild. It’s not part of routine servicing. A technician will confirm with a dial indicator measurement and inspect for wear on the thrust faces.

What symptoms point to a worn thrust-bearing?

Look for fore‑aft crank pulley movement, a light knock or scrape at idle, metallic debris in the oil, or timing/idle oddities. If any of these crop up, have end play and oil condition checked promptly.