Parts for your 2019 Holden Colorado-Thrust bearing

2019 Holden Colorado thrust-bearing: what it is, where it fits, and when to replace

Per the Holden RG Colorado Workshop Manual (2017–2020), GM Global Service Information for the LWN 2.8L diesel, and Aisin clutch hydraulics documentation, a thrust-bearing is fitted on 2019 Holden Colorado models with the 6‑speed manual. It’s the clutch release (thrust) bearing and it’s integrated with a concentric slave cylinder (CSC) inside the bellhousing. Automatic Colorados don’t use a clutch thrust-bearing. Separately, the engine does have crankshaft thrust bearings, but they’re internal and not a routine service item.

On a manual Colorado, the thrust-bearing’s job is to let the clutch disengage smoothly while everything keeps spinning. When the driver pushes the pedal, hydraulic pressure moves the CSC, pressing the bearing against the diaphragm spring of the pressure plate. The bearing carries the axial load and lets the rotating clutch assembly and stationary hydraulic bits live happily together without grinding themselves to dust.

There’s no fixed service interval for the thrust-bearing/CSC, but the smart move is to replace it whenever the clutch kit is done. Labour to reach it is the same, and a fresh bearing helps protect the new pressure plate and disc. The workshop sources above also call out sensible companion checks during clutch work: inspect the flywheel (dual‑mass on many diesels), spigot bearing in the crank, the clutch fork/pivot arrangement where applicable, the gearbox input shaft nose and guide surface, and the rear main seal for weeping.

Common signs it’s time to renew the thrust-bearing on a Colorado manual include:

• A squeal, whirr, or growl that appears only with the clutch pedal depressed
• A notchy or vibrating pedal feel, or clutch drag making first/reverse hard to select
• Brake/clutch fluid loss or dampness at the bellhousing (possible CSC leak)

Good servicing habits help the bearing live a long life: refresh the clutch hydraulic fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4 as specified), bleed the system correctly after any hydraulic work, and avoid riding the pedal at the lights. During installation, follow torque specs, align the disc perfectly, and if using a self‑adjusting pressure plate, reset it as specified before fitment. For auto Colorados, none of this applies to a clutch thrust-bearing, as there isn’t one fitted.

FAQs

Does a 2019 Holden Colorado have a thrust-bearing?
Manual models do: it’s the clutch release (thrust) bearing built into a concentric slave cylinder. Automatics don’t use a clutch thrust-bearing. The engine itself has internal crankshaft thrust bearings, but they’re not serviced unless the engine is rebuilt.

What are the signs the thrust-bearing is worn on a Colorado manual?
Noise when the pedal is pressed (squeal, whirr, growl), a rough or pulsing pedal, clutch drag or graunchy gear changes, and any fluid weep at the bellhousing from the CSC are classic flags. If those show up, a clutch kit and new CSC/bearing are usually on the cards.

Should the thrust-bearing be replaced with the clutch?
Yes. Because the release bearing is part of the CSC and it’s the same labour to access, most techs fit a complete clutch kit plus a new CSC every time. It reduces the chance of having to pull the gearbox again and keeps the new clutch operating smoothly.