Parts for your 2017 Holden Colorado-Thrust bearing

2017 Holden Colorado thrust-bearing: what it is, when it’s used, and how to look after it

Based on technical sources including the Holden Colorado RG service information and Australian clutch catalogues from Exedy and ClutchPro for the 2012–2020 RG 2.8‑litre diesel, the 2017 Holden Colorado with a manual transmission is fitted with a clutch thrust (release) bearing. It’s integrated into a concentric slave cylinder (CSC) mounted around the gearbox input shaft inside the bellhousing. Automatic models don’t have a serviceable clutch thrust bearing, so the part is relevant to manual variants only.

On a manual 2017 Colorado, the thrust-bearing’s job is simple but critical: it presses smoothly on the clutch pressure plate’s diaphragm fingers when the driver steps on the pedal, cleanly disengaging the clutch so gears can be selected without graunching. Because it’s built into the CSC, it also relies on clean, moisture‑free hydraulic fluid to operate quietly and consistently.

Typical signs the thrust-bearing/CSC is on the way out include a chirp, squeal, or rough rumble that changes when the clutch pedal is pressed, a notchy pedal feel, fluid weeping from the bellhousing, or difficulty selecting gears. Left too long, a failing bearing can damage the pressure plate fingers and shorten the life of a new clutch.

Good servicing habits make a difference. On a Colorado manual, most workshops recommend replacing the thrust-bearing/CSC whenever the clutch kit is done, even if it seems “okay” on the day—it’s a gearbox-out job either way, and the incremental cost is small compared with doing the labour twice. It also pays to use a quality clutch kit that includes the CSC and an alignment tool, and to follow torque specs for the flywheel and pressure plate bolts.

Hydraulics matter here. The clutch system draws from the brake fluid reservoir on many utes of this era, so keeping the fluid fresh (as specified on the cap or in the logbook) helps protect the CSC seals and the bearing. After any clutch or CSC work, a careful bleed with the correct sequence is essential to restore a firm, consistent pedal. Driving style helps too—avoid riding the clutch at the lights and keep foot pressure off the pedal on the highway to minimise constant bearing load.

If the ute shows noise only when cold, or the sound disappears when the pedal is released, a quick check by a technician can confirm whether it’s the thrust-bearing, the pilot bearing, or something else in the driveline. Catching it early can save a lot of hassle.

• Replace the thrust-bearing/CSC with every clutch job.
• Use the specified fluid and keep it fresh to protect hydraulics.
• Avoid riding the clutch to extend bearing life.

Popular questions about 2017 Holden Colorado thrust-bearing

Does a 2017 Holden Colorado have a thrust-bearing?
Yes—manual models use a thrust (release) bearing that’s integrated into a concentric slave cylinder inside the bellhousing. Automatic models don’t have a serviceable clutch thrust-bearing.

What are the symptoms of a worn thrust-bearing on a Colorado?
Common tell‑tales are a chirp or squeal when the clutch pedal is pressed, a rough or grumbly noise that changes with pedal movement, a notchy pedal feel, fluid weeping from the bellhousing, or hard gear changes.

Should the thrust-bearing be replaced on its own or with the clutch?
Best practice is to replace the thrust-bearing/CSC whenever the clutch is replaced. It’s the same labour to access, and doing both together avoids repeat gearbox removal if the old bearing fails later.