Parts for your 2015 Holden Commodore-Thrust bearing

2015 Holden Commodore thrust-bearing — what it is, where it’s used, and when to replace it

Technical sources make it clear this part is relevant on specific VF models. The Holden VF Commodore Workshop/Service Manual for the clutch and hydraulic system, and the Tremec TR‑6060 service literature, show that manual-transmission VF SS/SS V8 models use a concentric slave cylinder that integrates the clutch release (thrust) bearing. Conversely, the 6L50/6L80 automatic transmissions listed in GM service information don’t use a clutch thrust bearing. Separately, all VF engines (e.g., LFX V6, L77 V8) have a crankshaft thrust bearing integrated into the main bearing set, but that’s not a routine service item. So, a “thrust-bearing” part is applicable to manual VF Commodores for the clutch release function.

On a 2015 Holden Commodore with the Tremec TR‑6060 manual, the thrust (release) bearing sits around the gearbox input shaft inside the bellhousing, part of the concentric slave cylinder. Pressing the clutch pedal hydraulically drives the bearing against the pressure plate fingers, disconnecting drive so gears can be selected smoothly. Its job is to take axial load, run quietly, and keep pedal feel consistent.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but most workshops replace the concentric slave/release bearing whenever the clutch is out. That’s standard practice noted in the VF clutch service procedures and widely recommended in TR‑6060 clutch service guides, because the bearing’s labour access is the same as the clutch. Many owners see 120,000–200,000 km from a factory unit, depending on driving style.

Common clues it’s on the way out include:

• Whirring or growling only when the clutch pedal is pressed
• Notchy engagement or a pedal that feels rough or inconsistent
• Fluid weep from the bellhousing area (as the bearing is part of the hydraulic slave)

Best practice during a clutch job on a VF manual:

• Replace the concentric slave/release bearing with a quality unit
• Inspect/machine or replace the flywheel, fit a new pilot bearing/bush and pressure plate bolts
• Flush the shared brake/clutch fluid (DOT 3/4 as specified), bleed thoroughly, and check pedal travel
• Bed in the new clutch as advised by the clutch manufacturer to protect the new bearing and friction surfaces

Drivers who avoid riding the clutch, keep stop‑start slipping to a minimum, and maintain clean hydraulic fluid generally enjoy quieter operation and longer bearing life. For automatic VF models, a clutch thrust bearing simply isn’t present, any “thrust” function there relates to internal transmission and engine bearings, which aren’t serviced like a clutch release bearing.

Popular questions

Which 2015 Commodore models actually have a clutch thrust bearing?
Manual VF SS/SS V8 models with the Tremec TR‑6060 use a concentric slave cylinder that includes the release (thrust) bearing. Automatic models with the 6L50/6L80 don’t have a clutch thrust bearing at all. All engines do have a crankshaft thrust bearing, but that’s part of the bottom end and not a routine service item.

What symptoms point to a failing thrust (release) bearing on a VF manual?
Noise that appears only when the clutch pedal is pressed, a rough or pulsing pedal, difficult gear selection, or a fluid weep from the bellhousing are the usual signs. If those show up, most workshops recommend replacing the concentric slave/release bearing and inspecting the clutch and flywheel at the same time.

Should the release bearing be replaced whenever the clutch is done?
Yes. Because the bearing is integral with the concentric slave and requires the gearbox to be removed, replacing it during any clutch job is low-cost insurance. It’s also wise to renew the pilot bearing/bush, check the flywheel, and flush the hydraulic fluid to keep the pedal feel tidy and engagement clean.