Parts for your 2016 Nissan Serena-Thrust bearing

2016 Nissan Serena — Is there a thrust bearing on this model?

Short answer: a thrust bearing (as in a clutch release/throw-out bearing) isn’t used on the 2016 Nissan Serena. That generation of Serena is factory-fitted with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT automatic, so there’s no conventional manual clutch and no release/thrust bearing to service or replace. Nissan’s own technical literature for the Serena shows a CVT transaxle in the TM (Transaxle & Transmission) section and no manual clutch section for these models, while Nissan’s 2016 Serena spec sheets list Xtronic CVT across the range. JATCO’s CVT8/7 technical overviews also describe a torque converter and variator system rather than a manual-style clutch with a release bearing.

Why it’s not used: on a manual gearbox, a thrust/release bearing lets the clutch disengage when the pedal’s pressed. The Serena’s CVT uses a torque converter and belt-and-pulley setup, so it doesn’t need that bearing at all. Any thrust bearings inside the CVT are internal components, not stand-alone service parts. Likewise, the engine does have crankshaft thrust bearings integrated into the main bearings (not a clutch item), but those are only addressed during an engine bottom-end rebuild — they’re not part of routine servicing.

What owners should focus on instead: if there’s noise on take-off or under load, think CVT fluid condition, mounts, or pulley/torque converter issues — not a “clutch thrust bearing”. Keep the CVT healthy with the correct Nissan NS-3 fluid at the intervals recommended in the service schedule, and always verify parts by VIN to avoid ordering a non-existent clutch bearing. If there’s suspicion of crankshaft end-float (very rare), that’s an engine-internals job for a specialist workshop.

• Technical references often cited by workshops:
  • Nissan Serena C26/C27 Factory Service Manual — TM: Xtronic CVT (no clutch release bearing shown)
  • Nissan Global 2016 Serena specifications — Xtronic CVT listed for all grades
  • JATCO CVT7/CVT8 technical guides — torque converter and variator design without manual clutch
  • Nissan MR20DE/MR20DD FSM — EM: crankshaft end play and thrust bearing integrated in main bearings

FAQs

Does the 2016 Nissan Serena have a clutch thrust (release) bearing?

No. It uses an Xtronic CVT, so there’s no manual clutch assembly or release/thrust bearing to replace. Any thrust bearings inside the transmission are internal and not serviced separately.

What should be serviced instead of a thrust bearing on a CVT Serena?

Stick to CVT fluid changes with the correct Nissan NS-3 fluid, inspect cooling, mounts, and driveline components, and keep software updates current. These have a far bigger impact on smooth take-off and longevity than chasing a non-existent clutch part.

Can the engine’s thrust bearings wear out and cause noise?

Engine crankshaft thrust bearings can wear, but it’s uncommon. Symptoms tend to be abnormal end-float, knocking under load, or changes when the transmission is in gear. Diagnosis and repair require specialist measurement and bottom-end work, not routine servicing.