Parts for your 2018 Toyota Crown-Thrust bearing

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

Technical sources confirm a thrust bearing is used on the 2018 Toyota Crown — specifically the crankshaft thrust bearing in the engine’s main bearing set. Toyota’s New Car Features documentation for the S220 Crown (2018–) details powertrains including the A25A-FXS 2.5-litre hybrid and 8GR-FXS 3.5-litre hybrid (and markets that still listed the 8AR-FTS 2.0 turbo), all paired to automatic or hybrid e-CVT drivetrains, so there’s no manual gearbox and therefore no clutch release “thrust” bearing on this model. Engine overhaul manuals for the A25A, 8AR and GR-series engines specify integral thrust bearing faces controlling crankshaft end-float. Aisin transmission documentation (AA80E/THS II e-CVT) also notes internal thrust elements, but these are not serviced as a standalone “thrust bearing” item in routine maintenance.

On the 2018 Toyota Crown, the thrust bearing’s job is to keep the crankshaft from shuffling back and forth under axial loads — think converter or damper thrust, serpentine belt pull, and gear drive forces. By controlling end-float, it protects the block, holds the oil film in the mains where it should be, and keeps the timing and sensor alignment happy. When it wears, the crank can “walk”, and that’s bad news for everything from the rear main seal to the flexplate.

It isn’t a routine service item, but it does benefit from good habits. Clean oil at the right grade (per Toyota specs) preserves the hydrodynamic film the thrust faces rely on. Correct installation practices during engine, converter or hybrid damper work matter just as much — forcing a torque converter forward to meet the flexplate, or misaligning the damper, can load the thrust bearing and hasten wear.

When might a Crown owner suspect thrust bearing trouble? Look for fine metallic glitter in the sump, a dull knock that changes when shifting between Reverse and Drive, odd crank sensor behaviour, or unexplained rear main seal weep. Excessive end-float is confirmed with a dial indicator on the crank pulley.

Replacement is a precision job and generally not something done with the engine in-car. The thrust halves are part of the main bearing set, and proper repair means measuring end-float, checking journal and bearing clearances, and torquing mains to spec. Best practice while in there: inspect the flexplate and runout, renew the rear main seal, and verify crank pulley bolt torque. Independent specialists and dealers will usually recommend thrust bearing replacement only during an overhaul or when clear symptoms appear, rather than as periodic maintenance.

• Use the correct oil spec and intervals to minimise wear.
• During transmission or hybrid damper work, verify converter/damper free-play before bolting up.
• If engine’s out, measure end-float, compare with Toyota’s limit and service specs.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Crown (S220) New Car Features, Toyota Engine Overhaul Manuals for A25A-FXS/A25A-FKS, 8AR-FTS, and GR-series, Toyota TIS procedures for crankshaft main/thrust bearings, Aisin AA80E and THS II e-CVT technical literature.

Popular questions about 2018 Toyota Crown thrust bearings

Does the 2018 Toyota Crown have a thrust bearing?
Yes. It has a crankshaft thrust bearing as part of the engine’s main bearing set. There’s no manual gearbox on the 2018 Crown, so there isn’t a clutch release (throwout) bearing to service.

What are the symptoms of a worn thrust bearing on a Crown?
Common clues include metallic debris in the oil, a light knock that changes when selecting Drive/Reverse, rear main seal seepage, or noticeable crank end-float. Diagnosis is done with a dial indicator on the crank.

Can the thrust bearing be replaced without pulling the engine?
It’s typically an engine-out or at least sump-off, mains-off job to do properly. Because clearances and torque procedures are critical, most workshops remove the engine to inspect and replace the main/thrust bearing set to Toyota spec.