Parts for your 2016 Toyota Crown-Thrust bearing

2016 Toyota Crown thrust-bearing: does it have one, and should owners worry?

Short answer: a clutch-type thrust bearing (throwout/release bearing) isn’t fitted to the 2016 Toyota Crown. Toyota’s technical literature for the S210-series Crown (2013–2018) shows the model range was built with automatic or hybrid transmissions only—no manual gearbox, so there’s no clutch release/thrust bearing to service.

What people usually mean by “thrust bearing” on a car is the clutch release bearing found in a manual. The 2016 Crown uses either an Aisin conventional automatic (e.g., AA80E 8‑speed with the 8AR‑FTS 2.0‑litre turbo) or an eCVT in the hybrid (2AR‑FSE/2GR-FSE based systems). These drivetrains use a torque converter or an eCVT power split device—neither employs a serviceable clutch release bearing.

There are thrust bearings inside the vehicle, but they’re internal, not routine service items. Examples include crankshaft thrust washers in the engine to control end float, and thrust/needle bearings within the automatic or eCVT. These components are only addressed during major engine or transmission overhauls, not during regular servicing.

Why the Crown doesn’t use a clutch thrust bearing comes down to its market spec and engineering: the S210 Crown was positioned as a luxury sedan for Japan and select markets with smooth, automatic drivetrains. The torque converter’s lock-up clutches and the eCVT’s planetary set handle the job of transmitting and managing axial loads without an external clutch release bearing.

For owners chasing a noise that “sounds like a bad throwout bearing,” it’s a red herring on this car. Common culprits instead include accessory drive idlers/tensioners, alternator or water pump bearings, wheel bearings, or a torque-converter shudder under light throttle (typically addressed with fluid condition checks or software updates). A true engine thrust issue (excessive crank end float) is rare and presents as axial knock or clutch-on/off load clunks, that requires professional diagnosis and usually engine disassembly.

• Technical references consulted: Toyota Crown S210 Repair Manual (TIS), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (Japan domestic) for S210 drivetrain listings, Aisin AA80E/AA81E automatic transmission service data, and Toyota hybrid eCVT service information for 2AR/2GR-based systems—all showing no manual transmission variant for 2016 Crown and detailing internal-only thrust components.

Bottom line: there’s no separate, serviceable thrust/release bearing to replace on a 2016 Toyota Crown. Routine maintenance should focus on engine oil and filter, transmission fluid per Toyota guidance, drive-belt system checks, and listening for accessory or wheel-bearing noises rather than chasing a non-existent clutch bearing.

FAQs

Does a 2016 Toyota Crown have a clutch thrust/release bearing?
No. The 2016 Crown was built with automatic or hybrid drivetrains only, so there’s no manual clutch assembly and no release (thrust) bearing to service. Any “thrust bearing” you’ll find is internal to the engine or transmission and not a routine maintenance item.

Are there thrust bearings in the engine or transmission?
Yes. The engine uses thrust washers/bearings on the crankshaft to control end float, and the auto/eCVT contains internal thrust and needle bearings. These parts live inside the assemblies and are only touched during a full rebuild or overhaul.

I can hear a noise like a bad throwout bearing—what should I check?
On a Crown, that kind of whirring or growl is more likely from the accessory belt system (idler/tensioner), alternator, water pump, or even a wheel bearing. A light shudder at low speeds can be torque-converter related and is usually addressed by fluid condition or software updates. Have a technician inspect rather than hunting for a clutch bearing that isn’t fitted.