Parts for your 2019 Ford Everest-Thrust bearing

2019 Ford Everest thrust bearing — what’s fitted and why it matters

Based on Ford service literature and parts catalogues, the 2019 Ford Everest does use thrust bearings — chiefly as part of the engine’s crankshaft support. Both available engines for this model year (the 3.2L Duratorq TDCi and the 2.0L EcoBlue Bi‑Turbo) employ a crankshaft thrust bearing/washers to control end float. The Everest sold in Australia and New Zealand for 2019 is automatic-only, so there’s no clutch release “thrust” bearing to service. The 6R80 and 10R80 automatic transmissions also contain internal thrust and needle bearings, but these are overhaul-only items, not routine service parts. The front suspension is a double-wishbone design, so there’s no strut-top thrust bearing either.

This thrust bearing’s job is simple but critical: it keeps the crankshaft from shuffling back and forth in the block when axial loads come into play (think torque converter thrust, accessory belt loads, and general drivetrain forces). By holding crank end float within spec, it protects the crank, bearings, timing drive, and seals, keeping the engine smooth and happy.

For Everest owners, the thrust bearing isn’t a scheduled service item — it lives its whole life bathed in engine oil and only gets attention during a bottom-end refresh or rebuild. Good oil is its best mate. Sticking to the handbook oil grade and spec (Ford WSS-approved oil for the specific engine) and sensible change intervals helps the thrust face survive high‑load touring, towing, and long hot kilometres.

If a shop is chasing possible end-float issues, they’ll measure crankshaft end play with a dial indicator against the workshop manual spec. Excessive end float can show up as:

• Noticeable fore–aft movement of the crank pulley/harmonic balancer
• Intermittent rubbing or whirring noises that change with drivetrain load
• Unusual crank sensor signal errors or timing variation
• Premature front or rear crank seal leaks
• Metallic debris in the oil when the sump is inspected

Replacement, when required, is done with the main bearings — on the 3.2L it involves thrust washers at a specified main journal, on the 2.0L the thrust face is integrated into a main bearing shell. Depending on tooling and vehicle setup, some workshops can do the job in-chassis by dropping the sump and relevant main cap, but many prefer engine-out for access and cleanliness. Either way, it’s a precision task: verify end float before and after, use correct bearing grades, and observe torque and lubrication steps from the Ford WSM.

Worth noting: the automatic transmission’s internal thrust/needle bearings are managed through clean, correct-spec ATF and proper cooling. They’re not serviced individually unless the transmission is overhauled.

• Technical sources:
  • Ford Workshop Manual (WSM) – Everest/Ranger 2015–2020: Engine 303-01 sections for 3.2L Duratorq and 2.0L EcoBlue (crankshaft main bearings and thrust bearing/washers)
  • Ford OEM parts catalogue (Microcat): Main bearing sets listing thrust washers/bearing for 3.2L and 2.0L engines
  • Automatic transmission service literature: 6R80 and 10R80 component/parts lists showing internal thrust and needle bearings
  • WSM Suspension 204-01: Front SLA double-wishbone layout (no strut-top thrust bearing)
  • 2019 Ford Everest AU/NZ specifications: automatic transmission availability

Popular questions

Does a 2019 Ford Everest have a thrust bearing?
Yes. The engine uses a crankshaft thrust bearing (or thrust washers) to control end float. The 2019 AU/NZ Everest is automatic-only, so there’s no clutch release “thrust” bearing to service. Its automatic gearbox also has internal thrust/needle bearings, but those are only touched during a transmission overhaul.

When should the thrust bearing be replaced?
It’s not a routine service item. It’s replaced during engine bottom-end work or if end float is out of spec. A technician will check end play with a dial indicator and, if needed, renew the main bearings and thrust components per the Ford WSM.

Can the thrust bearing be changed without removing the engine?
On some engines, it’s possible by removing the sump and specific main bearing caps in-chassis. Practicality depends on tooling and access, many workshops prefer engine-out to ensure cleanliness, accurate measurements, and correct torque procedures.