Parts for your 2022 Honda Cr-v-Thrust bearing

2022 Honda CR‑V thrust-bearing: what it is, where it lives, and when to service it

Yes—thrust-bearings are used on the 2022 Honda CR‑V. Technical documentation for this model confirms two relevant applications: a thrust (rotational) bearing built into the front MacPherson strut top mount to let the strut turn smoothly with the steering, and a crankshaft thrust bearing within the engine’s main bearings to control end float. See the Honda CR‑V 2017–2022 Service Manual (Front Suspension: strut mount/bearing) and Honda L15B-series Workshop data (Engine block: main/thrust bearing end play). Honda’s Earth Dreams HCF‑2 CVT also employs internal thrust/needle bearings, though these aren’t routine service items.

For owners, the serviceable “thrust-bearing” usually means the front strut top bearing. Its job is simple but crucial: let the spring and strut rotate freely under the CR‑V’s front-end load so steering stays light, consistent, and quiet. When that bearing dries out or pits, you’ll feel notchy steering and hear creaks or groans at parking speeds. Left too long, it can chew out the strut mount and affect steering return-to-centre.

There’s no fixed replacement interval in Honda schedules, these bearings are replaced on condition. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—heat, rain, corrugations, the odd gravel road—it’s smart to inspect them any time the front shocks are out, or around the 80–120,000 km mark if symptoms show up. Many techs replace the bearing and mount as a pair when fitting new front struts to keep everything sweet for the long haul.

• Common signs on a 2022 CR‑V: low-speed groans or creaks, notchy steering feel, steering that “sticks” then frees up, and uneven tyre wear from bind-up.

Replacement is straightforward workshop work: support the knuckle, remove the strut, compress the spring safely, and swap the mount and bearing. Always follow Honda torque specs and orientation marks from the Service Manual. After refit, a wheel alignment is recommended, camber and toe can shift slightly when the strut is disturbed.

Prevention-wise, there’s not much to “lubricate”—these bearings are sealed. What helps is keeping the upper strut area clean, ensuring the spring isolators and dust boots are intact, and using quality OEM or reputable aftermarket bearings. If the steering still feels heavy after new bearings, check the top mount, spring seating, and lower ball joints for bind.

Worth noting: the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing exists but isn’t a regular service item. It’s checked when diagnosing end-float issues or during an engine rebuild, not during normal servicing of a 2022 CR‑V.

Popular questions

What are the symptoms of a worn thrust (strut top) bearing on a 2022 Honda CR‑V?

Typical tell-tales are groaning or creaking at low speeds, a notchy feel as the wheel is turned, and steering that doesn’t return to centre smoothly. You might also notice slight ride-height “wind-up” that releases with a clunk as the spring twists on a dry bearing.

If you’re seeing uneven front tyre wear or the steering feels inconsistent after bumps, have the mounts and bearings checked along with lower control arm bushes and ball joints.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing the strut thrust-bearings?

Yes, it’s best practice. Removing and refitting the front struts can nudge camber and toe just enough to matter. A post-job alignment will keep the CR‑V tracking straight and protect your tyres.

How long do strut top bearings last in Australian and New Zealand conditions?

There’s wide variation, but many last 80–150,000 km depending on roads and loads. Frequent gravel, heavy accessories, or lots of tight parking can shorten their life. If you’re fitting new front shocks around that mileage, it’s cost‑effective to replace the bearings and mounts at the same time.