Parts for your 2020 Nissan X-trail-Thrust bearing

2020 Nissan X-TRAIL thrust-bearing

For Australian and New Zealand–delivered 2020 Nissan X-TRAIL (T32) models, a clutch thrust-bearing (also called a release or throw-out bearing) is not used. Technical references show these vehicles were supplied exclusively with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT automatic, not a manual gearbox. The Xtronic CVT uses a torque converter and does not have a clutch pressure plate or release mechanism, so there’s no clutch thrust-bearing to service or replace.

This position is supported by the Nissan X-TRAIL (T32) 2020 Service Manual, Transmission (TM) section, which details the Xtronic CVT, the Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) listings for AU/NZ 2020 X-TRAIL, which do not include a clutch release bearing for local specs, and the 2020 Owner’s Manual for AU/NZ models, which lists Xtronic CVT as the available transmission. Some overseas markets did offer a 6‑speed manual in 2020, and those vehicles do use a clutch release/thrust-bearing, but that part isn’t fitted to AU/NZ models.

Why it isn’t used on local 2020 X-TRAILs is simple: the torque-converter CVT connects the engine to the transmission fluidly, doing away with the friction clutch and the hardware that goes with it (release fork, slave or concentric cylinder, and the thrust-bearing). The CVT contains its own set of internal bearings, but these are not “thrust-bearings” in the clutch sense and aren’t standalone service items.

It’s worth noting the engine itself does have thrust surfaces within the crankshaft main bearings to control end float. These internal thrust bearings exist on virtually all modern engines, including the X-TRAIL’s petrol units, but they’re not part of routine servicing. They’re only inspected or replaced during an engine rebuild or when diagnosing specific end-float issues, which are rare in normal use.

If someone has a privately imported 2020 X-TRAIL with a manual gearbox, the clutch release/thrust-bearing is typically replaced as part of a full clutch kit whenever the gearbox is out. Typical symptoms on a manual car would be rumbling or squeal with clutch pedal movement and a notchy or inconsistent pedal feel. None of that applies to AU/NZ CVT models.

• Technical references checked: Nissan X-TRAIL (T32) MY2020 Service Manual – TM (Xtronic CVT), Nissan EPC (AU/NZ 2020 listings), 2020 Owner’s Manual (AU/NZ transmission availability).

FAQs

Does the 2020 Nissan X-TRAIL have a clutch thrust-bearing?
For AU and NZ vehicles, no. They’re fitted with the Xtronic CVT (torque converter), which doesn’t use a manual clutch assembly or a release/thrust-bearing. Manual versions sold in some other markets do have one.

Is there an engine thrust-bearing in the 2020 X-TRAIL and does it need servicing?
Yes, the engine’s crankshaft runs on main bearings with thrust faces to control end float. These are internal components and aren’t a scheduled service item. They’re only addressed during engine overhaul or if specific end-float faults are diagnosed.

What if my imported 2020 X-TRAIL is a manual and the thrust-bearing is noisy?
On a manual, a noisy release/thrust-bearing often shows up as squeal or rumble when the clutch pedal is pressed. Best practice is to replace the clutch disc, pressure plate and release bearing together, and inspect the slave/concentric cylinder and flywheel while the gearbox is out.