Parts for your 2020 Nissan Serena-Thrust bearing

2020 Nissan Serena thrust bearing — what’s used and what’s not

For the 2020 Nissan Serena (C27), a traditional clutch thrust/release bearing isn’t fitted or relevant. Technical sources for the C27 platform show the Serena was supplied with an Xtronic CVT automatic, and in e-POWER models the wheels are driven by an electric motor through a single-speed reduction gearbox. There’s no manual clutch assembly in either setup, so there’s no separate clutch thrust bearing to service or replace.

The Serena’s powertrains are described in Nissan’s C27 Serena Service Manual (TM—Transaxle &, Transmission, Xtronic CVT) and e-POWER system sections, and the 2020 model brochures list Xtronic CVT and e-POWER only—no manual transmission. CVT units employ a torque converter (or a start device internal to the transmission) and a belt-and-pulley variator, not a manual clutch and release bearing. While the engine itself uses crankshaft thrust bearings/washers integrated into the main bearing set to control end-float, these aren’t what most people mean by “thrust bearing” in a parts search, and they’re not a routine service item.

• No manual gearbox on 2020 Serena = no clutch thrust/release bearing.
• CVT uses a torque converter and variator, so there’s no external release bearing.
• Any “thrust” function in the engine is part of the main bearings and only addressed during a full engine rebuild.

If someone’s quoted a “thrust-bearing replacement” for a 2020 Serena, it’s worth double-checking the diagnosis. Common driveline noises on these vans are more likely related to CVT internals, torque converter, accessory bearings, or hub/wheel bearings. Proper fault-finding should start with CVT fluid condition checks, scan data, and road-test behaviour, rather than assuming a clutch-related part that the vehicle doesn’t have.

Good servicing practice here is to keep the CVT happy: use the specified Nissan CVT fluid, follow the severe-use interval if the van tows or does lots of urban kilometres, ensure cooling systems are clean, and keep software/calibrations current. Those steps will do far more for longevity than chasing a non-existent thrust bearing.

Technical sources referenced: Nissan C27 Serena Service Manual (2019–2020), TM—Transaxle &, Transmission (Xtronic CVT) and ES—Hybrid System (e-POWER), Nissan C27 Serena product catalogue (Japan) listing Xtronic CVT and e-POWER drivetrains, Jatco CVT technical summaries for CVT8 applications (torque-converter CVT).

FAQs

Does the 2020 Nissan Serena have a clutch thrust (release) bearing?
No. The 2020 Serena uses an Xtronic CVT or, in e-POWER form, an electric motor with a reduction gear. There’s no manual clutch assembly, so there’s no clutch thrust/release bearing to replace or maintain.

Are there any thrust bearings in the 2020 Serena at all?
The engine’s crankshaft uses thrust surfaces as part of the main bearing set to control end-float, but these aren’t serviced like a clutch bearing. They’re only addressed during major engine work and aren’t the “thrust bearing” people usually mean in parts catalogues.

What should be serviced instead to avoid driveline issues?
Stick to CVT fluid changes per Nissan’s schedule (or earlier for heavy city use or towing), use the specified Nissan CVT fluid, keep the cooling system in top nick, and have any unusual noises or shift behaviour diagnosed promptly. Those are the big wins for a Serena’s driveline.