Parts for your 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero-Thrust bearing

1996 Mitsubishi Pajero thrust-bearing — what it does and when to replace it

Based on the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1991–1999 Workshop Manual (Group 21 – Clutch), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and Exedy’s clutch catalogue for NH–NJ Pajero models, a thrust-bearing (also called a clutch release bearing) is fitted to 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero vehicles with a manual gearbox. The factory engine manuals for the 4M40 diesel and 6G74 V6 also show crankshaft thrust bearings inside the engine, but those aren’t routine service items. So, for servicing, the relevant thrust-bearing on a 1996 Pajero is the clutch release bearing on manual-transmission models, automatic Pajeros don’t use a clutch thrust-bearing.

On a manual Pajero, the thrust-bearing sits on the gearbox input shaft sleeve and presses on the clutch pressure plate’s release fingers when the pedal’s down. Its job is to let the pressure plate be pushed smoothly while the engine keeps spinning. When it wears out, drivers often hear a chirp, squeal, or rumble with the clutch pedal depressed that goes quiet when they lift off.

There’s no set replacement interval for the thrust-bearing, it’s replaced whenever the clutch is done, or earlier if it’s noisy. Because the gearbox has to come out to access it, it’s smart to fit a complete clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing, and usually a spigot/pilot bearing) in one go. Technical guidance from the Mitsubishi workshop manual and clutch manufacturers recommends checking the release fork, pivot ball, and input shaft sleeve for wear at the same time.

• Symptoms to watch: noise when the pedal is pressed, intermittent pedal roughness, or clutch drag that improves with a quick pedal pump.
• Good practice during replacement: lightly grease the bearing carrier and fork contact points with high-temp moly grease, keep grease off the bearing face and friction surfaces, confirm smooth slave cylinder operation.
• Driving tip: avoid resting a foot on the clutch pedal — light preload can shorten bearing life.

The Pajero’s hydraulic clutch self-adjusts, but pedal free play and a healthy return are important so the bearing isn’t constantly riding the pressure plate. A quick check during servicing — listening for noise with the pedal down, inspecting the bellhousing boot for dusting or debris, and confirming clean release — helps catch issues before they become a big job.

Popular questions about 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero thrust-bearing

Does every 1996 Pajero have a thrust-bearing?
Manual models do — it’s the clutch release bearing. Automatic versions don’t use a clutch thrust-bearing, although the engines do have internal crankshaft thrust bearings that aren’t regular service items. If it’s a manual and the pedal makes noise when pressed, the release bearing is a prime suspect.

What are the telltale signs the thrust-bearing is failing?
A squeal, chirp, or rumble with the clutch pedal depressed that disappears when the pedal’s released is the classic clue. Some drivers feel a slight roughness through the pedal. If it’s noisy, plan on gearbox removal and replacement of the bearing and, ideally, the whole clutch kit.

Should the thrust-bearing be replaced on its own?
It can be, but because labour involves removing the gearbox, workshops typically recommend a full clutch kit. That way the disc, pressure plate, release bearing, and spigot/pilot bearing are all fresh, and the fork and pivot can be checked, saving another teardown later.