Parts for your 2018 Toyota Camry-Thrust bearing

2018 Toyota Camry thrust-bearing — what it is, and when it matters

Technical sources confirm a thrust bearing is used on the 2018 Toyota Camry. Toyota’s repair manuals for the A25A-FKS/A25A-FXS “Dynamic Force” 2.5‑litre engines and the 2GR‑FKS 3.5‑litre V6 specify crankshaft end play and show it being controlled by flanged thrust faces on one of the main bearings. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue also lists a “Bearing Set, Crankshaft (with thrust)” for these engines. In other words, the Camry’s thrust bearing is integrated into the crankshaft main bearing set rather than being a separate, regularly serviced part. References: Toyota Repair Manual (Engine/Crankshaft sections for A25A‑FKS, A25A‑FXS, 2GR‑FKS), Toyota EPC bearing set listings, Toyota/SAE technical publications describing the Dynamic Force engines.

For the 2018 Camry, the thrust bearing’s job is simple but crucial: it keeps the crankshaft from shifting fore and aft under axial loads, maintaining correct alignment of the rotating assembly, timing components and accessory drive. It’s built into one of the main bearings as flanged faces that the crank runs against. Normal driving—gear changes in the automatic, loads from the accessory belt, and the push/pull of combustion—creates small axial forces that the thrust bearing handles quietly in the background.

Owners don’t normally “service” a thrust bearing. It isn’t a scheduled item and isn’t replaced unless the engine is being overhauled. During an engine rebuild, a technician will install the appropriate main bearing set (which includes the thrust faces), measure crankshaft end float, and confirm it’s within the factory spec shown in the Toyota repair manual. Using the correct engine oil grade, changing oil on time, and avoiding prolonged low-oil or contaminated-oil running are the real-world ways to protect it.

While failure is uncommon on a well-maintained Camry, it’s smart to be aware of tell‑tales that deserve a mechanic’s look under the bonnet:

• Unusual scraping or tapping from the front of the engine at idle, changing with load.
• Noticeable in‑out movement of the crank pulley or accessory belt wandering.
• Persistent metal debris in the oil during servicing, or abnormal crank end play if checked.

If a thrust bearing is worn, the fix is not an on‑car quick job, the sump and crankshaft have to come out, and the main bearing set is replaced. A workshop will also inspect the crank thrust surfaces, oil clearances and lubrication pathways before reassembly. For most 2018 Camry owners in Australia and New Zealand, sticking to proper servicing intervals and good‑quality oil means the thrust bearing will remain a lifetime component.

FAQs

Does the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid also have a thrust bearing?
The hybrid (A25A‑FXS) uses the same fundamental crankshaft layout as the non‑hybrid A25A‑FKS, with thrust control provided by the flanged faces on a main bearing. So yes, the hybrid engine also has a thrust bearing integrated into the main bearing set.

Is a thrust bearing a routine service item on a 2018 Camry?
No. It’s not part of regular servicing. It’s only addressed if the engine is rebuilt or if end‑play measurements or symptoms suggest abnormal wear. Good oil and timely changes are the best protection.

What symptoms point to thrust bearing issues on a Camry?
Look for axial movement at the crank pulley, odd scraping or ticking that changes with load, and recurring metal in the oil. Any of these should trigger a professional inspection and an end‑play check against Toyota’s spec.