Parts for your 2023 Honda Cr-v-Thrust bearing

2023 Honda CR‑V Thrust Bearing

Yes, a thrust bearing is relevant to the 2023 Honda CR‑V. The model uses a thrust-type bearing in the front suspension strut top mount (often called a strut mount bearing) to let the strut rotate smoothly as the wheels steer, and its engines use crankshaft thrust bearings within the main bearing set to control end float. There’s no clutch release/throwout bearing on 2023 CR‑V models because they run a CVT or e:HEV e‑CVT, not a manual gearbox. References: 2023 Honda CR‑V Service Manual – Suspension (MacPherson front strut with mount bearing), 2023 Honda CR‑V Specifications – Powertrain (CVT/e‑CVT, no manual clutch), Honda L‑series/2.0‑litre Atkinson engine workshop documentation – main/thrust bearing arrangement.

On this vehicle, the thrust bearing people most often service is the front strut mount bearing. Its job is simple but critical: it carries vertical load while allowing low‑friction rotation at the top of the MacPherson strut. That keeps steering light, consistent and quiet, and helps tyres wear evenly. When this bearing wears or binds, the driver may feel notchiness in the steering, hear groans or clunks at low‑speed turns, or notice “memory steer” where the wheel doesn’t self‑centre properly.

There’s no scheduled maintenance interval for the strut thrust bearing, it’s a replace‑when‑worn item. Smart practice is to renew the bearings whenever front struts or top mounts are replaced, and to do both sides together. Typical checks during servicing include: listening for low‑speed steering noises, feeling for roughness while turning the wheel stationary, inspecting the mount rubber for cracking, and checking wheel alignment data for odd caster/camber shifts that suggest a binding top mount.

• Common symptoms: creaking or crunching while steering, notchy feel, delayed return‑to‑centre, front‑end clunks over bumps, uneven tyre wear.
• Replacement tips: use quality OE‑equivalent bearings, renew the mount if the rubber is perished, torque the strut top nut and pinch bolts to spec, and finish with a professional alignment.
• Good times to replace: when fitting new front struts/springs, after a curb strike, or when investigating persistent steering noises.

Because the 2023 CR‑V runs a CVT/e‑CVT, there’s no clutch‑type thrust/throwout bearing to service. Engine crankshaft thrust bearings exist but are internal and only addressed during engine rebuilds, not routine servicing.

FAQs

How can someone tell the CR‑V’s strut thrust bearings are worn?
They’ll often hear creaks or grinding at parking speeds, feel a notchy or springy steering wheel, or notice the wheel doesn’t smoothly self‑centre after a turn. A technician may confirm by unloading the strut and checking for rough rotation at the top mount, then verifying alignment doesn’t shift after steering inputs.

Is there a thrust/throwout bearing in the 2023 CR‑V transmission?
No. The 2023 CR‑V uses a CVT or e:HEV e‑CVT, so there’s no manual clutch and no clutch release (throwout) thrust bearing to service. Any thrust bearings inside the transmission are internal components, not routine service items.

When should the strut thrust bearings be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre interval. Replace them when symptoms appear, when the top mounts show deterioration, or proactively whenever front struts are being renewed. Doing both sides together and completing a wheel alignment is the way to keep the steering feel consistent and tyres happy.