Parts for your 2022 Toyota C-hr-Thrust bearing

2022 Toyota C‑HR Thrust Bearing — what owners should know

Based on Toyota Australia and Toyota New Zealand 2022 model specifications, the C‑HR is delivered with a Direct Shift‑CVT (K120/K114) for the 2.0‑litre M20A‑FKS, and an e‑CVT hybrid transaxle (P610) for hybrid variants. The Toyota Repair Manual and Electronic Parts Catalogue for the AX10/AX50 series confirm there’s no conventional manual clutch assembly on these models, which means there’s no clutch thrust (release) bearing to service or replace on a typical 2022 C‑HR in AU/NZ.

Why isn’t a clutch thrust bearing used? A thrust/release bearing is a manual‑gearbox part that lets the clutch disengage smoothly when the pedal’s pressed. The C‑HR’s CVT and e‑CVT designs don’t use a foot‑operated clutch. Drive is handled by a torque converter and CVT belt/chain (or a planetary gearset in the hybrid), so the thrust/release bearing simply isn’t part of the system.

There are, however, other bearings in a C‑HR that sometimes get called “thrust” bearings in casual chat:

• Front strut top mount bearing: A bearing sits in the strut mount to let the front suspension rotate as the steering turns. It’s a common wear item in many McPherson‑strut cars, including the C‑HR. If there are groans, notchy steering at low speeds, or creaks over bumps, a technician may recommend replacing the strut mounts/bearings as an assembly.
• Engine crankshaft thrust washers: These control crankshaft end‑float inside the engine. They’re integral to the main bearing set and aren’t a routine service item. They’re only inspected during engine overhaul or if there’s diagnosed axial play.

For owners chasing a “thrust‑bearing” noise on a 2022 C‑HR, it’s worth noting that classic clutch‑thrust symptoms (noise that changes when pressing the clutch pedal) don’t apply here. If there’s a whine, judder or shudder on take‑off, a technician will instead assess the CVT, engine mounts, or the front strut top mounts.

Note for global variants: some overseas C‑HR models were offered with a manual gearbox. Those vehicles do use a clutch release (thrust) bearing, typically replaced with the clutch kit during gearbox‑out service. That configuration wasn’t offered new in Australia or New Zealand for MY22.

Popular questions

Does a 2022 Toyota C‑HR have a clutch thrust bearing?
For Australia and New Zealand models, no. They use a CVT or e‑CVT with no manual clutch, so there’s no clutch thrust/release bearing. Rare manual variants sold in other markets do have one.

What’s the bearing at the top of the C‑HR’s front strut, and does it need servicing?
That’s the strut top mount bearing, which lets the suspension rotate with the steering. It isn’t a scheduled service item, but it can wear. If there’s notchy steering, creaks or a clunk over bumps, a technician may recommend replacing the top mounts and bearings.

Do the engine’s thrust washers need maintenance?
No. The crankshaft thrust washers are internal to the engine and aren’t part of routine servicing. Good oil quality and timely changes help protect them, they’re only checked during diagnostic teardown or overhaul.