Parts for your 2018 Toyota Mark x-Thrust bearing

2018 Toyota Mark X thrust bearing — is it a thing?

Based on Toyota’s technical literature for the GRX130 Mark X and the GR-series engines, a standalone “thrust bearing” isn’t a routine service part on 2018 models. The 2018 Mark X is normally equipped with an Aisin 6‑speed automatic transmission (A960E/A760E family). Automatic transmissions use a torque converter and do not have a clutch release/thrust (throwout) bearing like a manual. This is supported by the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the GRX130 (2018 MY), which lists no clutch release bearing for the automatic variants, and by Aisin transmission documentation describing the torque converter setup.

The GR-series engines used in the Mark X (4GR‑FSE 2.5L and 2GR‑FSE 3.5L) do incorporate thrust control surfaces at the crankshaft — the thrust function is integrated into the No. 3 main bearing set. Toyota’s Repair Manual (Engine Mechanical, 4GR‑FSE/2GR‑FSE) details this arrangement. However, these are internal engine bearings and aren’t serviced or replaced during normal maintenance, they’re only addressed during engine overhaul if wear measurements fall outside spec.

So for a typical 2018 Toyota Mark X owner, a “thrust bearing” isn’t a relevant service item to order or replace. The only exception is the limited‑production GRMN manual‑transmission grades, which use a conventional clutch and therefore have a release (thrust/throwout) bearing. Those models are rare and have different service parts.

• Why it’s not used as a service part: the automatic’s torque converter replaces a manual clutch and release bearing.
• What still exists: internal crankshaft thrust faces within the main bearing set (not scheduled maintenance).
• Exception: GRMN manual variants use a clutch release bearing, but these are not the common 2018 AT models.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for GRX130 (2018 MY), Toyota Repair Manual, Engine Mechanical (4GR‑FSE/2GR‑FSE) — crankshaft and main bearings section, Aisin 6‑speed automatic transmission documentation (A960E/A760E family) describing torque converter operation and absence of a clutch release bearing.

Popular questions about 2018 Toyota Mark X thrust bearing

Does a 2018 Mark X have a thrust bearing that needs servicing?
For the common automatic models, no. There’s no clutch release/thrust bearing to service because the car uses a torque converter. The engine’s thrust bearing function is internal to the main bearings and only checked during an engine rebuild, not part of routine servicing.

How would someone spot engine thrust bearing wear on a Mark X?
Severe wear is uncommon in a well‑maintained GR engine. Red flags include excessive crankshaft end‑float, metallic noises at idle with the clutch engaged (manual) or in gear (auto), or abnormal wear patterns in an oil analysis. Proper diagnosis requires measuring end‑play to spec during engine disassembly — not a driveway job.

What if the car is a GRMN manual — does it use a thrust/release bearing?
Yes, the GRMN manual grades have a conventional clutch with a release (throwout) bearing. That bearing is typically replaced whenever the clutch is renewed, or if it becomes noisy. Parts and procedures differ from the standard automatic models, so the VIN and transmission type should be confirmed when ordering.