Parts for your 2017 Honda Civic-Thrust bearing

2017 Honda Civic thrust bearing: what’s fitted and what to service

Based on Honda’s factory literature for the 10th‑gen Civic (2016–2019) — including the Honda Civic Service Manual clutch section and the Honda electronic parts catalogue — a thrust bearing (clutch release/throwout bearing) is used on 2017 Civic models fitted with the 6‑speed manual transmission. CVT‑equipped Civics don’t use a clutch thrust bearing at all, as the CVT employs a torque converter and no manual clutch release system. The engine itself does have crankshaft thrust surfaces within the main bearings, but these aren’t routine service items for owners or technicians during normal maintenance.

For manual models, the thrust bearing’s whole job is to let the pressure plate release smoothly when the clutch pedal’s pressed. The clutch fork (via the slave cylinder) pushes the bearing against the pressure plate fingers, the bearing then spins with the clutch, preventing metal‑on‑metal scuffing and keeping pedal feel smooth and quiet. In everyday terms, it’s the small, hardworking bearing that makes gear changes feel clean instead of crunchy.

It’s not a scheduled maintenance item by itself, but it’s considered best practice to replace the thrust bearing whenever the clutch is out for a new disc and pressure plate. The Honda service manual procedure for the 6MT covers removal, inspection, lubrication points on the release fork pivot, and reassembly with a new release bearing. Doing it all in one go saves labour and avoids pulling the gearbox twice.

Good servicing habits help the bearing live longer. Avoid riding the clutch at lights, keep the pedal fully up when cruising, and make sure the hydraulic system is bled properly with fresh brake/clutch fluid of the specified grade. During any clutch work, a technician should check the release fork, pivot ball, slave cylinder operation, and the clutch pedal free‑play. A tiny dab of the correct high‑temp grease on the fork contact points (as specified by Honda) reduces noise and wear.

• Tell‑tale symptoms of a worn thrust bearing include:
  • Chirping or squealing only when the clutch pedal is pressed
  • Rough, grumbly feel through the pedal at bite point
  • Hard engagement or notchy shifts when hot
  • Noise that changes with pedal travel, not engine revs
  • Occasional clutch judder on take‑off

If any of the above shows up on a 2017 Civic 6MT, a clutch kit with a new release (thrust) bearing is the sensible fix. Parts are modest in cost compared to the labour of removing and refitting the transaxle, so replacing the bearing, pressure plate and disc together is the smart, reliable option.

Popular questions

Does a 2017 Honda Civic with a CVT have a thrust bearing?
No. CVT models don’t use a clutch thrust (release) bearing because there’s no manual clutch to disengage. The CVT uses a torque converter and belt‑and‑pulley arrangement, so the throwout/thrust bearing simply isn’t part of that driveline.

What are the signs the thrust bearing is failing on a 2017 Civic manual?
Expect a chirp, squeal, or rumble that appears only when the clutch pedal is pressed, plus a slightly rough pedal feel. If the noise stops when the pedal is released, the release (thrust) bearing is a prime suspect.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced on its own?
It can be, but it’s usually wiser to fit a full clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing) while the gearbox is out. Labour dominates the job, so doing the lot at once is better value and more reliable over the long run.