Parts for your 2020 Holden Commodore-Thrust bearing

2020 Holden Commodore thrust bearing — do you actually have one?

Short answer: no clutch thrust bearing is fitted to the 2020 Holden Commodore (ZB). In Australia and New Zealand, “thrust bearing” usually means the clutch release/throwout bearing found in a manual gearbox. The 2020 Commodore range was sold exclusively with automatic transmissions (8‑speed diesel, 9‑speed petrol/V6), so there’s no manual clutch and no thrust bearing to service or replace.

Technical basis for this call-out comes from Holden’s published ZB Commodore specifications and owner’s literature (2018–2020), GM Service Information for the 8‑ and 9‑speed automatic transmissions used in the platform, and Opel Insignia B/Commodore ZB workshop material—all of which show automatic-only fitment with a torque converter rather than a manual clutch assembly.

Why it isn’t used: the Commodore’s auto uses a fluid-coupled torque converter and multi-plate clutch packs inside the transmission. Gear selection and clutch engagement are handled hydraulically and electronically, so there’s no external release fork or bearing to push on clutch fingers. That’s the job a thrust (release) bearing would do on a manual—so it simply isn’t there.

Worth noting: the engine itself does have a crankshaft thrust bearing (integrated in the main bearing set) to manage axial movement of the crank. That’s a completely different part, lives inside the engine, and isn’t a routine service item. It’s inspected or replaced only during an engine rebuild or if there’s evidence of end-float issues.

If someone’s hunting a “thrust bearing” for a 2020 Commodore online, chances are the listing’s been miscategorised or assumes a manual model that doesn’t exist for this year. What owners should focus on instead are the items that actually affect take-up feel and driveline refinement in an auto Commodore:

• Follow the Holden/GM service schedule for transmission checks, including fluid condition inspection where applicable, and software updates.
• Keep an eye on transmission and engine mount condition—worn mounts can cause clunks or shudder that people sometimes mistake for clutch problems.
• Address any driveline vibration, delayed engagement, or harsh shifting promptly with a technician who knows the GM 8‑ and 9‑speed units.

That’s the gist: no clutch thrust bearing to worry about on the 2020 ZB Commodore, and nothing to replace there during routine servicing.

• Popular questions about 2020 Holden Commodore thrust bearing

Does a 2020 Holden Commodore have a clutch thrust (release) bearing?
It doesn’t. All 2020 ZB Commodores are automatic, so there’s no manual clutch and no release/thrust bearing. Any noises or engagement issues when selecting Drive or Reverse won’t be a thrust bearing—they’re more likely related to the torque converter, transmission, mounts, or software.

Is there any “thrust bearing” on the car at all?
Yes, but it’s inside the engine. The crankshaft thrust bearing controls end-float of the crank. It’s not a regular service item and isn’t touched during normal servicing. It’s assessed during engine tear-downs or if there’s a confirmed axial play problem.

What should owners service instead of a thrust bearing?
Stick to the scheduled transmission inspections, check fluid condition where specified, and keep mounts, driveline couplings, and software calibrations up to date. If you notice harsh shifts or delayed engagement, get the transmission diagnosed rather than chasing a non-existent clutch part.