Parts for your 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero-Thrust bearing

1988 Mitsubishi Pajero thrust-bearing — purpose, service tips, and when to replace

It is relevant and fitted. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (L040 series, CL—Clutch), the Haynes Repair Manual for Pajero/Montero 1983–1999 (clutch chapter), and Exedy Australia’s clutch application catalogue all specify a clutch release (thrust) bearing for manual-transmission 1988 Pajeros. In the engine, the 4D56 and 6G/4G-series engine workshop manuals (EM—Crankshaft) also specify crankshaft thrust bearings/washers. So for a 1988 Pajero, “thrust bearing” is both the clutch release bearing on manuals and the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearing.

For day‑to‑day servicing talk, this page focuses on the clutch thrust bearing fitted to manual models. Its job is simple but crucial: when the driver presses the clutch pedal, the thrust (release) bearing slides along the gearbox input shaft sleeve and presses on the clutch pressure plate’s diaphragm spring. That clean, low‑friction contact is what lets the clutch disengage smoothly. If the bearing dries out, wears, or gets rough, the result is a gritty pedal feel, noise, and eventually poor clutch release.

Best practice is to replace the thrust bearing any time the clutch is out—so during a clutch kit job, or when the gearbox is down for other work. It’s a low‑cost part compared with the labour to get at it. Common symptoms that it’s on the way out include a whirring or chirping noise with the pedal depressed, a squeal on cold starts that changes when the pedal is touched, and a notchier or heavier pedal feel. If ignored, it can overheat the diaphragm fingers and shorten clutch life.

Good servicing habits for a 1988 Pajero manual include:

• Lightly lubricate the input shaft guide tube and fork pivot with high‑temp moly grease—don’t overdo it and never grease the bearing face.
• Inspect the release fork for cracks and the pivot ball for wear, replace if pitted or loose.
• Check the spigot/pilot bearing in the crankshaft, a rough pilot bearing can mimic thrust‑bearing noise.
• Set correct clutch freeplay/engagement height per the FSM (cable or hydraulic depending on variant) to prevent the bearing riding the diaphragm constantly.
• Use a quality clutch kit matched to the exact engine/gearbox code noted on the vehicle ID plate.

Owners of automatic 1988 Pajeros don’t have a clutch thrust bearing, but the engine still uses crankshaft thrust bearings, excessive converter or line pressure issues can load those, so keep transmission service up to date.

Popular questions

What are the signs the thrust bearing is failing on a 1988 Pajero?
Most drivers notice a whirring, chirp, or light grind when the clutch pedal is pressed, which often quietens when the pedal is released. The pedal may feel rough or notchy. If the noise is present only with the pedal down, it points to the release (thrust) bearing rather than the gearbox.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced every time the clutch is done?
Yes. Because access requires gearbox removal, it’s standard practice to replace the thrust bearing whenever the clutch disc and pressure plate are changed. It’s cheap insurance for smooth engagement and long clutch life.

Does an automatic 1988 Pajero have a thrust bearing?
It doesn’t have a clutch thrust bearing, but the engine still has crankshaft thrust bearings/washers. Those are internal to the engine and managed as part of engine overhaul work, not routine clutch servicing.