Parts for your 2019 Nissan Pathfinder-Thrust bearing

2019 Nissan Pathfinder thrust bearing — what’s actually fitted?

Short answer: a standalone “thrust bearing” isn’t a service item on the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder (R52). The vehicle runs a Jatco CVT automatic, so there’s no manual clutch or throw-out/thrust release bearing to replace. Nissan’s 2019 R52 Service Manual (Transaxle/CVT section for RE0F10E/JF017E) lists torque converter, CVT pulleys and chain, but no clutch release or thrust bearing. The Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue (FAST) likewise shows no separate clutch thrust/release bearing for this model year. The only thrust bearing in the vehicle is internal to the engine: the crankshaft thrust bearing surfaces are integrated with the main bearing set (VQ35DD Engine Mechanical section notes thrust control at the centre/main No. 3). That engine thrust bearing isn’t a routine maintenance item and is only addressed during engine overhaul or if there’s confirmed endplay wear.

Why the confusion? In manual gearboxes, the “thrust” or “throw-out” bearing pushes on the clutch diaphragm and is a common replacement. The 2019 Pathfinder doesn’t have a manual variant, so that part simply doesn’t apply. If someone’s chasing noises or driveline vibration on this model, it’s far more likely to be from CVT pulley bearings, the torque converter, a wheel hub unit bearing, or even front-end accessory drive/idler components—none of which are described or sold as a “thrust bearing.”

• Transmission design: CVT with torque converter—no clutch, no throw-out/thrust release bearing (ref. Nissan R52 Service Manual, CVT section).
• Engine thrust control: handled by integrated crankshaft thrust faces on the main bearing set (ref. Nissan R52 Service Manual, Engine Mechanical VQ35DD).
• Parts listings: Nissan FAST EPC shows no separate clutch thrust/release bearing for 2019 Pathfinder.

If a technician suspects axial crankshaft movement (rare on a well-serviced VQ35DD), they’ll measure endplay per the Engine Mechanical procedures and only consider thrust bearing service as part of a deeper engine repair. For general servicing—fluids, filters, CVT fluid inspections, hubs and suspension checks—there’s nothing labelled “thrust bearing” to maintain or replace on a routine basis.

Owners noticing whirring or growls that change with road speed should have the hub bearings and tyres checked first. A moan or flare under load may point to CVT issues, that’s a specialist job using the factory procedures and the correct CVT fluid specification.

Popular questions

Does a 2019 Pathfinder have a thrust bearing I need to service?
Not as a standalone part. There’s no manual clutch release/thrust bearing on this model. The only thrust bearing function is inside the engine’s main bearings, which isn’t part of regular servicing.

What noises could be mistaken for a “thrust bearing” problem?
Wheel hub bearings, CVT pulley bearings, torque converter issues, or even accessory idlers can mimic that sort of whirring or grind. A road-speed-related hum usually points to hubs/tyres, load-related moans can be CVT/torque converter.

Can the engine’s thrust bearing wear out on a Pathfinder?
It’s uncommon under normal use and correct servicing. If it does happen, a mechanic will confirm excessive crankshaft endplay per the Engine Mechanical specs. Repair involves engine disassembly—definitely not a routine service item.