Parts for your 2015 Lexus Is-Thrust bearing

2015 Lexus IS thrust-bearing — is it actually a thing on this model?

Short answer: a serviceable “thrust bearing” isn’t used on the 2015 Lexus IS in the ways most people mean. There’s no clutch thrust/release bearing because the XE30-series IS in 2015 was sold with automatic gearboxes only, and there’s no MacPherson strut top thrust bearing because the front suspension is a double-wishbone layout, not a strut. The only thrust bearings present are the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearings (thrust washers) inside the engine block, and they’re not a routine service item.

That call is backed by technical sources from Toyota/Lexus:

• Lexus/Toyota Technical Information System (TIS) Repair Manual for the 2015 IS shows automatic transmissions (A960E/A760E/AA80E depending on variant) and no manual clutch assembly, so no clutch release/thrust bearing to service.
• The Lexus New Car Features and Repair Manual sections for the XE30 front suspension identify a double‑wishbone design. The Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) illustration lists an upper support/insulator for the front shock, but not a separate strut-top thrust bearing because it isn’t a MacPherson strut.
• Engine assembly diagrams do show crankshaft thrust bearings, but these are internal components addressed only during overhaul.

Why Lexus didn’t use a thrust bearing you’d service? It comes down to design choices. The automatic transmissions do away with a clutch pedal and its release bearing altogether, and the double‑wishbone front end delivers sharp steering and ride quality without needing a rotating thrust bearing at the top mount. That leaves just the engine’s internal thrust bearing, which is lubricated by engine oil and typically lasts the life of the engine unless there’s severe oil starvation or unusual axial load issues.

If someone’s chasing noises or play they thought might be a “thrust bearing”, it’s worth looking at the usual suspects on a 2015 IS: front wheel bearings, serpentine belt idlers/tensioner, torque converter or transmission front pump whine, driveshaft and diff bearings on RWD models, and suspension arm bushings or ball joints. Regular servicing — quality engine oil, proper ATF where applicable, and timely inspection of hubs and pulleys — keeps these cars sweet and quiet for many kilometres.

Popular questions about the 2015 Lexus IS thrust-bearing

Does a 2015 Lexus IS have a clutch thrust/release bearing?
Not on Australian or New Zealand cars. The 2015 IS range was automatic-only, so there’s no clutch assembly or release bearing to replace. If there’s a noise that sounds like a release bearing, have the workshop check the torque converter, accessory pulleys, or front wheel hubs instead.

Is there a strut-top thrust bearing in the front suspension?
No. The 2015 IS uses a double‑wishbone front end, not a MacPherson strut. The shock mount doesn’t incorporate a rotating thrust bearing. Steering effort and movement are handled through control arms and ball joints, so any clunks or heaviness are more likely bush or joint related.

Can the engine thrust bearing wear out on a 2015 IS?
It can, but it’s uncommon in a well‑maintained car. The crankshaft thrust bearing is internal and oil‑fed. Excess axial play usually points to severe oil issues, incorrect assembly, or extreme loads. It’s an engine-out, rebuild-level repair, not routine maintenance.