Parts for your 2020 Ford Transit-Thrust bearing

2020 Ford Transit thrust bearing — is it used or not?

Based on the Ford Workshop Manual for the 2020 Transit, the Ford electronic parts catalogue (EPC/FordParts diagrams), and the published service schedules, a separate clutch thrust bearing (also called a release bearing) is not used on 2020 Ford Transit models sold in Australia and New Zealand fitted with the factory automatic transmission. These vans use a torque converter–equipped automatic, so there’s no manual clutch assembly and no external thrust/release bearing to service or replace.

On a manual gearbox, a thrust/release bearing sits between the clutch fork (or concentric slave cylinder) and the pressure plate diaphragm, allowing smooth, low-friction contact when the clutch pedal is pressed. Because the AU/NZ 2020 Transit lineup is automatic for mainstream variants, that component isn’t present. The Ford Workshop Manual’s transmission section details the torque converter and internal transmission bearings, and the EPC doesn’t list a serviceable clutch release/thrust bearing for the auto models.

It’s worth noting the Transit does still have “thrust” elements inside other assemblies — for example, the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing surfaces and the turbocharger’s internal thrust bearing on turbo engines. However, those are internal engineering components addressed only during engine or turbo overhaul, not routine servicing, and they aren’t sold or maintained as a standalone “thrust-bearing” part for regular maintenance.

If someone has a 2020 Transit from a market or special build that includes a manual gearbox, then yes, a concentric slave cylinder (CSC) with an integrated release/thrust bearing may be fitted. In that case, it’s typically replaced whenever the clutch is renewed, following Ford’s torque specs and bleed procedures in the Workshop Manual.

• For AU/NZ 2020 Transit autos: there’s no clutch thrust/release bearing to service.
• Stick to Ford’s transmission fluid and filter intervals as specified, that’s the correct path to smooth shifting and long life.
• Any concerns about axial noises or harshness should be diagnosed against the transmission and engine per the Workshop Manual, not by chasing a non-existent clutch thrust bearing.

Popular questions

Does my 2020 Ford Transit have a thrust bearing I need to replace?
For AU/NZ models with the automatic transmission, there’s no clutch thrust/release bearing. The driveline uses a torque converter, and Ford’s parts catalogue doesn’t list a serviceable release bearing for these autos. Internal engine or transmission thrust bearings exist but aren’t routine service items.

What if my 2020 Transit is a manual — do I have a release/thrust bearing then?
Some markets and special builds with a manual gearbox use a concentric slave cylinder that incorporates the release (thrust) bearing. If fitted, it’s commonly replaced along with the clutch kit. Always follow the Workshop Manual for removal, installation, and hydraulic bleeding.

Can an engine thrust bearing be replaced during normal servicing?
No. The engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing is part of the main bearing assembly and requires engine disassembly to inspect or replace. It’s addressed only during rebuild-level work, not scheduled maintenance.