Parts for your 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero-Thrust bearing

1986 Mitsubishi Pajero thrust-bearing — what it is and when to replace it

Yes, a thrust-bearing is relevant to the 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero factory workshop manual (1983–1991, clutch section) specify a clutch release (thrust) bearing on manual-transmission models. The Haynes service manual for Pajero/Montero/Shogun 1983–1996 also details removal and refit of the release/thrust bearing during clutch service. Additionally, the 4G54 petrol and 4D55/4D56 diesel engines fitted to 1986 Pajeros use crankshaft thrust bearings/washers in the main bearing set, noted in the engine overhaul sections of Mitsubishi literature. So, whether talking about the clutch release bearing (manual models) or the engine’s crankshaft thrust surfaces, the part is used on this vehicle.

On a 1986 Pajero with a manual gearbox, the clutch thrust-bearing sits on the gearbox input shaft collar and pushes on the clutch diaphragm fingers when the clutch pedal’s pressed. That load lets the clutch disengage so gears slip in smoothly. It only spins when the pedal is down, but it’s a wear item and eventually gets noisy or rough.

Owners will often hear a chirp, squeal, or rumble with the pedal depressed, feel a graunchy pedal, or notice notchy shifts. Off-road use, creek crossings and mud can hurry wear along. Resting a foot on the pedal can also cook it over time.

Best practice is to replace the thrust-bearing whenever a clutch is out. Most clutch kits include a new pressure plate, disc, and release (thrust) bearing — fit the lot so it’s sorted for years. Don’t try to lube a sealed release bearing, if it’s noisy, replace it. A light smear of high-temp grease on the clutch fork pivot and the input shaft guide tube is fine, but keep grease off the friction surfaces.

• Good times to replace: clutch noise when the pedal’s down, rough pedal feel, or while doing a clutch or rear main seal.
• Also check/replace: pilot (spigot) bearing, clutch fork and clip, pivot ball, guide tube/quill, and the slave cylinder or cable (spec-dependent).
• Helpful tips: use an alignment tool, inspect the bellhousing for dust/water ingress, set pedal free play to spec, and have the flywheel resurfaced if needed. If there’s odd clutch feel, it’s smart to check gearbox input shaft play and engine crankshaft end float as per the workshop manual.

Automatic-transmission Pajeros don’t use a clutch thrust-bearing, though the engine still uses crankshaft thrust bearings inside the bottom end.

Popular questions

Does an automatic 1986 Pajero have a thrust-bearing?
Not a clutch thrust-bearing. Autos use a torque converter, so there’s no release bearing. The engine still has crankshaft thrust bearings within the main bearing set, but those are a different internal engine component.

What are the signs of a failing thrust-bearing on a 1986 Pajero?
Noise with the clutch pedal pressed (chirp, squeal, or rumble), a crunchy or pulsing pedal, and harder gear engagement. If the noise is present with the pedal up, look elsewhere — like the pilot bearing or gearbox input shaft bearing.

Should the thrust-bearing be replaced on its own?
It can be, but it’s smarter to fit a full clutch kit while the gearbox is out. That means new disc, pressure plate, and release bearing, plus a pilot bearing and a quick check of the fork, pivot and hydraulics/cable. It saves labour and hassle down the track.