Parts for your 2016 Ford Everest-Thrust bearing

2016 Ford Everest – is a thrust bearing used?

For Australian and New Zealand–delivered 2016 Ford Everest models (Ambiente, Trend and Titanium), the factory specification lists a 6‑speed automatic transmission (6R80) across the range, with no manual option. That’s shown in Ford Australia’s MY16 Everest specification sheets and Owner’s Manual, and reflected in the Ford global workshop literature for the T6 Everest, which only details a clutch release/thrust bearing (concentric slave cylinder) for MT82 manual gearboxes not fitted to local Everest variants. Because there’s no manual clutch assembly, a clutch “thrust bearing” (often what people mean by thrust bearing) isn’t used on these vehicles.

Why isn’t there a thrust bearing? In a manual, the clutch release/thrust bearing rides the pressure plate fingers and lets the driver disengage the clutch. The 2016 Everest’s 6R80 automatic uses a torque converter and flexplate instead, so there’s no clutch pedal, no pressure plate and no release/thrust bearing to service.

Worth noting: the Everest’s engines (like the 3.2‑litre Duratorq) do have internal crankshaft thrust bearings/washers to control end float, and the automatic transmission and transfer case contain various internal thrust/needle bearings. These are internal components addressed only during an engine or transmission rebuild, they aren’t routine service items and aren’t the “thrust bearing” you’d buy over the counter for a clutch job.

Chasing a noise that sounds like a crook clutch thrust bearing? On an automatic Everest, similar whirring or rumbling at idle that changes with revs is more likely to be:

• Front-end drive belt items (idler/tensioner pulleys or A/C compressor clutch)
• Alternator or water pump bearings
• Torque converter shudder or pump whine (transmission)
• Front hub/wheel bearings or front diff pinion bearing (noise changes with road speed)

If in doubt, have a technician confirm by VIN whether your vehicle is an Australian/NZ automatic model. If it’s an imported manual Everest (rare in this region), then a clutch release/thrust bearing will apply and should be replaced with the clutch kit as a set.

FAQs

Does a 2016 Ford Everest have a clutch thrust bearing?

No for Australian and New Zealand models, because they were sold with a 6‑speed automatic only. A clutch thrust/release bearing is a manual‑only part. If your Everest is a private import with a manual gearbox, it will have one.

Are there any thrust bearings in the 2016 Everest at all?

Yes, but they’re internal. The engine uses thrust bearings/washers on the crankshaft, and the automatic transmission/transfer case use internal thrust and needle bearings. These aren’t routine service items and are only dealt with during overhaul.

What could mimic a bad thrust bearing noise on an automatic Everest?

Common culprits include the A/C compressor clutch, belt idler or tensioner, alternator, or torque converter/pump whine. Road‑speed‑related rumbles may point to wheel bearings or the front diff. A quick check with the drive belt removed briefly (cold engine, short run) can help isolate belt‑drive components.