Parts for your 2020 Honda Civic-Thrust bearing

2020 Honda Civic thrust bearing — what it is, whether you have one, and how to look after it

Based on Honda factory service information for the 10th‑gen Civic (2016–2021) and the Honda electronic parts catalogue for 2020 models, a thrust bearing is relevant to 2020 Honda Civics fitted with a manual transmission (including the Type R and other market‑specific 6‑speed variants). In those cars it’s the clutch release bearing, commonly called a thrust bearing, and it’s a normal service item. CVT‑equipped Civics don’t have a clutch thrust/release bearing at all. Separately, every 2020 Civic engine does have internal crankshaft thrust bearing surfaces inside the main bearing set, but those aren’t serviced during routine maintenance. So, if the owner’s 2020 Civic is a manual, this part absolutely applies, if it’s a CVT, it doesn’t.

On manual Civics, the thrust (release) bearing sits on the transmission input shaft and presses on the clutch pressure plate’s diaphragm spring when the pedal is pushed. Its job is to convert the pedal’s movement into a smooth, low‑friction push so the clutch can disengage cleanly. That keeps gear changes tidy, protects the gearbox from shock, and prevents graunching. It’s a hardworking little unit that sees high loads whenever the clutch is operated, especially in stop‑start city driving common across Australia and New Zealand.

There’s no periodic maintenance for the thrust bearing, but best practice is to replace it whenever the clutch is out, even if it still feels OK. Use a quality OEM or equivalent bearing, and have the technician lightly lubricate the release fork pivot and bearing carrier contact points only (never the bearing face or clutch friction surfaces). It’s smart to inspect the release fork, guide tube, pressure plate and spigot/pilot support (if fitted), and to check the flywheel for heat spots. If the pedal feels notchy or you hear a whirring/rumbling that changes when you press or release the pedal, that’s a cue to book it in. On hydraulic systems, confirm the clutch fluid is fresh and properly bled, and use the specified Honda MTF in the gearbox. For CVT models, this entire clutch thrust bearing conversation doesn’t apply—there’s no manual clutch, so no thrust/release bearing to service.

• Common signs of a tired thrust bearing: whirring or chirping with pedal movement, vibration in the pedal, or noise that disappears when the clutch is pressed.
• Replacement timing: with any clutch job or if symptoms are present, combining the work saves labour down the track.

FAQs

Does my 2020 Honda Civic have a thrust bearing?
If it’s a manual (including Type R), yes—the clutch release bearing is the thrust bearing. If it’s a CVT, there’s no clutch thrust/release bearing. The engine does have internal thrust bearing surfaces, but those aren’t routine service items.

What are the symptoms of a failing thrust (release) bearing?
Listen for a whirring, rumbling, or chirping that changes when you press or release the clutch pedal, plus any pedal roughness or vibration. If the noise is most noticeable with the pedal partially depressed, the release bearing is a prime suspect.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced with the clutch?
Yes. It’s good practice to replace the thrust bearing whenever the clutch is out. The added parts cost is modest and saves paying for duplicated labour if the old bearing starts making noise later.