Parts for your 2014 Nissan Navara-Thrust bearing

2014 Nissan Navara thrust-bearing

Based on technical references, the 2014 Nissan Navara (D40) with a manual gearbox does use a thrust-bearing — it’s the clutch release bearing, integrated with the concentric slave cylinder (CSC) mounted inside the bellhousing. This is documented in the Nissan Navara D40 Service Manual (CL and TM sections for the FS6R31A 6‑speed), reflected in the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue as a CSC/release bearing assembly, and mirrored by major clutch application guides (e.g., Exedy and Clutch Industries) that supply Navara D40 kits including the CSC/release bearing. Automatic models don’t have a clutch thrust-bearing, as they use a torque converter.

On a manual 2014 Navara, the thrust-bearing’s job is simple but crucial: it presses smoothly on the pressure plate’s diaphragm spring when the clutch pedal’s down, while spinning freely so there’s no metal-on-metal drag. That means clean disengagement, easy gear shifts, and less wear on the clutch hardware. Because the D40 uses a hydraulic concentric setup, the bearing and slave are one unit — tidy packaging, fewer moving bits outside the bellhousing, and a nice pedal feel when everything’s healthy.

It’s not a scheduled service item, but it’s smart to replace the thrust-bearing/CSC whenever the clutch is out. The gearbox has to come off to reach it, so doing it all in one hit saves duplicate labour. Fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid in the clutch circuit every couple of years helps keep the CSC seals happy, too.

• Common signs it’s on the way out:
  • Whirring, squealing or a rough rumble with the clutch pedal depressed
  • Pedal that feels notchy, spongy, or doesn’t fully return
  • Hydraulic fluid leaks from the bellhousing (CSC leak)

Replacement essentials for a Navara D40:

• Fit a full clutch kit (pressure plate, disc), new CSC/release bearing, and inspect or replace the pilot/spigot bearing.
• Check the flywheel surface and rear main seal while you’re in there.
• Bleed the clutch hydraulics thoroughly, confirm there’s no aeration and the pedal bite point is consistent.
• Use quality parts that match the VIN/engine/gearbox spec — the YD25 and VQ40 variants can differ.

Driving habits make a big difference. Avoid riding the clutch at lights, don’t hold the vehicle on hills with the pedal, and go easy on aggressive launches. Treated well, the thrust-bearing often lasts the life of the clutch.

Popular questions

Does an automatic 2014 Navara have a thrust-bearing?
No. Autos use a torque converter, so there’s no clutch release (thrust) bearing. The thrust-bearing/CSC only applies to manual transmissions.

How long should a Navara thrust-bearing last?
Many last as long as the clutch — often 150,000 to 250,000 km — but dusty work, heavy towing, or lots of stop‑start city driving can shorten that. If there’s noise with the pedal down, plan a clutch kit and CSC.

Can the thrust-bearing be replaced without changing the clutch?
It can, but it’s rarely worth it. The gearbox has to come out either way, so most workshops recommend doing the clutch disc, pressure plate, and CSC together to avoid paying the labour twice.