Parts for your 2018 Ford Everest-Thrust bearing

2018 Ford Everest thrust bearing: what it does and when to worry

Yes, a thrust bearing is used on the 2018 Ford Everest. Ford’s workshop information for the 3.2L Duratorq TDCi and 2.0L Bi‑Turbo diesels specifies a crankshaft thrust bearing integrated with the centre main bearing to control end float. That’s documented in the Ford Everest/Ranger Workshop Manual (Engine — 3.2L/2.0L, Section 303-00/303-01). Most AU/NZ 2018 Everests are automatic, so there’s no clutch release (“thrust”) bearing to service, the relevant thrust bearing is the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing.

The thrust bearing’s job is to keep the crankshaft centred front-to-back in the block. It absorbs axial loads from the torque converter (or clutch in manual markets), the accessory drive, and transient loads during gear engagement. When it wears, the crank can “walk”, which can chew out the bearing surfaces, upset oil pump and rear main seal alignment, and cause odd driveline noises.

It’s not a scheduled service item, but it benefits from good oil, correct oil pressure, and sensible driving, especially if the vehicle tows or works hard. During major engine work, technicians check crank end float with a dial indicator and compare it with spec in the WSM. If it’s out, the centre main/thrust set is replaced and end float rechecked.

• Common signs worth investigating:
  • Notable fore–aft movement of the crank pulley/harmonic balancer at idle
  • Knock or scrape when shifting from Park to Drive, or under converter load
  • Premature rear main seal seepage and metallic debris in the sump
  • For manual-market vehicles: noise or stalling when the clutch is depressed

If replacement is needed, the sump and relevant main bearing cap(s) come off, the centre main/thrust bearing is renewed, and all fasteners are tightened using the WSM’s torque-and-angle procedure. New main-cap bolts are typically required. It’s a precision job for an experienced engine tech.

Prevention is straightforward: stick to quality oil at the correct grade, keep service intervals on time, ensure the transmission/torque converter cooling system is healthy (heat can add axial load), and avoid long periods of harsh converter loading against the brakes. For vehicles that tow, a periodic professional check of engine noise and end float during major services is smart insurance.

Technical sources referenced: Ford Everest/Ranger Workshop Manual 2015–2020, Section 303-00 (Engine System — General Information) and Section 303-01 (Engine — 3.2L Duratorq/2.0L Bi‑Turbo) detailing crankshaft main bearings and thrust faces, Ford service training materials on Duratorq/EcoBlue engine design and crankshaft end float control.

• Does a 2018 Ford Everest have a thrust bearing?

It does. The engine uses a crankshaft thrust bearing (integrated with the centre main) to control end float. Most AU/NZ models are automatic, so there isn’t a clutch release bearing to service, but the engine thrust bearing is always there doing the job.

• What are the symptoms of a worn thrust bearing on a 2018 Everest?

Watch for fore–aft crank pulley movement, a knock when selecting Drive, rear main seal leaks, or fine metallic in the oil. Manual-market vehicles may show a scrape or stall when the clutch is pressed. Any of these call for a professional check of crank end float.

• Is thrust bearing replacement part of routine servicing?

No. It’s inspected during engine repair or if symptoms appear. Prevention is all about clean, correct-grade oil, proper service intervals, and keeping the transmission/torque converter cooling system in good nick, especially if the vehicle tows.