Parts for your 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero-Thrust bearing

1991 Mitsubishi Pajero Thrust Bearing — What it is, and when it matters

Based on the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual (Group 21: Clutch, 1989–1996 coverage), the Haynes Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Repair Manual (1983–1996), and Oceania clutch catalogues from major OEM suppliers (e.g. Exedy), a thrust bearing — more commonly called a clutch release bearing — is fitted to 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero models with a manual gearbox. It is not used on 1991 Pajeros with an automatic transmission, which rely on a torque converter instead. Note: the engine also has crankshaft thrust washers, but that’s a different part and not what’s meant by “thrust bearing” in clutch service.

On a manual 1991 Pajero, the thrust (release) bearing sits on the clutch fork and slides along the gearbox’s input shaft sleeve. Its job is simple but critical: when the driver presses the clutch pedal, the bearing pushes on the pressure plate’s diaphragm fingers, disengaging the clutch so gears can be selected smoothly. Off the pedal, it should sit clear and quiet.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval for the thrust bearing, it’s generally renewed whenever the clutch is replaced. Most workshops will fit a full clutch kit (pressure plate, friction disc, release bearing, and pilot/spigot bearing) because labour to remove the gearbox is the big cost. If the bearing is noisy or rough, it’s false economy not to change it while you’re in there.

• Common symptoms it’s on the way out:
  • Chirp or squeal that appears only with the clutch pedal depressed.
  • Growl or rumble through the pedal when holding the clutch down.
  • Notchy engagement or a gritty pedal feel.
• Good servicing tips for Pajero owners:
  • Avoid riding the clutch at lights — that keeps the bearing loaded and hot.
  • Check and set clutch pedal free-play per the workshop manual so the bearing doesn’t “kiss” the pressure plate all the time.
  • When replacing, lightly grease the release fork pivot and the bearing carrier’s sliding surfaces with high-temp moly grease, never grease the bearing face.
  • Inspect the fork, pivot ball, input shaft sleeve, and the bellhousing dust boot, replace worn parts to prevent repeat noise.
  • If the vehicle’s been through water or mud (classic NZ/ AUS tracks), consider earlier inspection — contamination shortens bearing life.

A tidy clutch job on a 1991 Pajero means aligning the disc properly, checking the spigot/pilot bearing in the crank, torquing the pressure plate evenly, and bleeding/adjusting the clutch actuation (cable or hydraulic depending on variant) so the pedal feel is consistent and the release point is where it should be.

Popular questions about 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero thrust bearings

Does a 1991 Pajero with an automatic use a thrust bearing?
No. Autos use a torque converter and don’t have a clutch release (thrust) bearing. Manual-trans Pajeros do. The engine’s crank thrust washers are separate and not part of clutch service.

What noises point to a worn thrust bearing?
A chirp, squeal, or light whirr that appears only when the clutch pedal is pressed is classic release bearing noise. If the noise is present with the pedal up and disappears when pressed, think gearbox input bearing instead.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced on its own?
It can be, but most mechanics recommend replacing it with the full clutch kit while the gearbox is out. Labour is the big ticket, and a fresh bearing, disc, pressure plate, and pilot/spigot bearing together save repeat visits.