Parts for your 2019 Honda Odyssey-Thrust bearing

2019 Honda Odyssey thrust bearing — what it is and what owners should know

Based on Honda’s factory service information for the 2018–2020 Odyssey (J35Y-series 3.5L V6) and typical Honda V6 bearing layouts, this model does use a thrust bearing — it’s integrated into the crankshaft’s main bearing set (commonly at the No. 4 main). The manual details crankshaft endplay measurement and thrust surface service limits, confirming its presence. The Odyssey’s 9‑speed (ZF 9HP) and 10‑speed (Honda 10AT) automatics also rely on internal thrust bearings/washers, though these are not routine service items. There’s no clutch release “throw‑out” thrust bearing because the Odyssey isn’t offered with a manual gearbox.

In plain terms, the thrust bearing in a 2019 Honda Odyssey’s V6 keeps the crankshaft from shuffling forwards and backwards under load. It carries axial force from the torque converter and accessory drive, holds endplay to spec, and keeps everything lined up so the engine runs smoothly and the transmission engagement feels crisp. It’s a hydrodynamic bearing surface fed by engine oil, built into the main bearing assembly — tough, but it still depends on clean oil and the correct viscosity.

There’s no scheduled replacement for the thrust bearing. Instead, good servicing habits protect it:

• Always use the oil grade specified by Honda (0W‑20 full‑synthetic in most markets) and keep to time‑and‑distance service intervals.
• Fix low‑oil issues fast — low pressure is the enemy of all plain bearings.
• Address harsh idle, flexplate/flywheel scraping noises, or clunky in‑gear take‑up early, excessive crank endplay can feel like a driveline knock.
• If the sump is off for other work, a technician can check endplay with a dial indicator and inspect bearing surfaces.

Replacement is uncommon and is typically done only during an engine rebuild or if endplay is out of spec. It’s a workshop job: the lower end has to be opened, the relevant main bearing shells with thrust faces are replaced, clearances checked, and fasteners torqued to spec. If a shop finds glitter in the oil, abnormal endplay, or flexplate contact, they’ll often pair thrust bearing replacement with a broader inspection of mains, rods, oil pump, and converter alignment to prevent a repeat.

For most Odyssey owners, keeping fresh oil in it and sorting any odd noises promptly is the winning strategy. Treated right, the factory thrust bearing will clock up many hundreds of thousands of kilometres without complaint.

Popular questions about the 2019 Honda Odyssey thrust bearing

Does a 2019 Honda Odyssey actually have a thrust bearing?
Yes. The J35Y‑series V6 uses a crankshaft thrust bearing that’s part of the main bearing set, and the automatic transmission has internal thrust elements as well. There’s no clutch release thrust bearing because the Odyssey doesn’t come with a manual transmission.

When should the thrust bearing be replaced?
There’s no routine interval. It’s inspected if symptoms point to excessive crank endplay (knocks, flexplate rub, erratic in‑gear idle) or when the bottom end is open for major work. Replacement is part of an engine repair or rebuild, not regular servicing.

What symptoms suggest thrust bearing trouble?
Tell‑tales include a metallic scrape near the bellhousing, clunky engagement when shifting into Drive, or measurable crankshaft endplay beyond spec. Metal in the oil, harsh idle in gear, or flexplate wear marks also warrant an inspection by a technician.