Parts for your 2023 Toyota C-hr-Thrust bearing

2023 Toyota C‑HR thrust bearing — what’s fitted and what isn’t

For Australian and New Zealand models, a conventional clutch “thrust” or release bearing is not used on the 2023 Toyota C‑HR. Local 2023 C‑HR variants are Hybrid only and run Toyota’s e‑CVT (electrically controlled continuously variable transaxle), which doesn’t have a manual clutch or a conventional automatic’s torque converter with a release/thrust bearing. That’s borne out in Toyota AU/NZ specification sheets listing e‑CVT only, and in Toyota/Aisin technical descriptions of the Hybrid Synergy Drive transaxle that detail a planetary gearset with two motor‑generators and no friction clutch pack or release mechanism.

Those technical sources explain the design: the hybrid transaxle integrates MG1 and MG2 with a single planetary gearset to blend engine and electric drive. Because there’s no manual clutch, there’s no clutch fork, no release arm and no thrust/release bearing to service. Toyota repair literature for the P610/P510‑series hybrid transaxles likewise diagrams the damper, gears, and motor‑generators, but no clutch release components.

So if someone’s searching for a “thrust bearing” for a 2023 C‑HR, it’s usually one of two different parts:

• Front strut top bearing (sometimes called a thrust bearing) that lets the strut rotate smoothly when steering.
• The engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing integrated into the main bearings. This exists in every engine to control axial crank movement, but it’s an internal component only touched during an engine rebuild—not a routine service item.

What should owners focus on instead?

• Hybrid transaxle fluid: Toyota’s WS fluid is often “filled for life” under normal use, but many workshops recommend periodic inspections and fluid condition checks, especially with high‑kilometre driving or severe service. Follow the Toyota service schedule for your VIN.
• Strut top bearings: If there’s notchy steering at low speed, spring “twang” when turning, or a graunch from the towers, the strut mount/bearing may be the culprit. These are replaceable without touching the hybrid transaxle.
• Good engine oil discipline: Keeping oil changes on time protects internal bearings, including the crank thrust surfaces, even though they’re not serviceable items.

Bottom line from the technical documentation: no clutch means no clutch thrust/release bearing on the 2023 C‑HR Hybrid. If a supplier catalog lists a “thrust bearing” for this model year locally, it’s almost certainly referring to the strut top bearing rather than any clutch component.

FAQs

Does a 2023 Toyota C‑HR have a clutch thrust/release bearing?
No. AU/NZ‑spec 2023 C‑HR models are Hybrid with an e‑CVT. The hybrid transaxle uses a planetary gearset and motor‑generators, so there’s no conventional clutch and no release/thrust bearing to replace.

What bearing causes creaks or notchy steering in a C‑HR?
Usually the front strut top bearing (often called a thrust bearing). If steering feels notchy at parking speeds or there’s a spring “twang”, the strut mount/bearing is a common fix and is separate from the hybrid transaxle.

Is there any “thrust bearing” in the engine, and does it need servicing?
Yes, the crankshaft has thrust surfaces within the main bearings, but they’re internal and only addressed during engine rebuilds. Routine servicing can’t adjust them—just keep engine oil changes on time to protect all internal bearings.