Parts for your 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero-Thrust bearing

1997 Mitsubishi Pajero thrust bearing: is it used, what it does, and when to replace it

Based on technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (1997, Clutch section), the Haynes Repair Manual for Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1992–1999, and mainstream clutch kit catalogues from OE-quality suppliers (e.g., Exedy and Sachs), the 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero fitted with a manual transmission uses a clutch release bearing, commonly called a thrust bearing. Automatic-transmission Pajeros use a torque converter and do not use a clutch release/thrust bearing.

For manual 1997 Pajero models, the thrust bearing is the hard-working go-between that lets the clutch disengage cleanly when the driver presses the pedal. It slides on the gearbox input shaft sleeve/guide tube and pushes against the clutch pressure plate’s diaphragm spring. When it’s in good nick, gear changes feel smooth and the drivetrain stays quiet. When it’s worn, it can make a racket, rough up pedal feel, and eventually make the clutch drag or refuse to disengage.

As part of sensible servicing, the thrust bearing should be replaced any time the clutch assembly is out—whether for a new friction disc, a flywheel resurface, or a rear main seal. The labour to reach it is the same, so saving a few dollars by skipping the bearing is false economy. A quality bearing, lightly lubricated on the contact points as specified by the workshop manual (never over-greased), and installed with the correct orientation, will usually go the distance between clutch jobs.

• Common signs it’s due: a whirring, chirp, or squeal when the clutch pedal is depressed, a clutch pedal that feels notchy or rough, difficulty selecting gears at a standstill, noise that changes with pedal position rather than engine revs.
• Good practice during replacement: inspect the clutch fork, pivot ball, guide tube, and the slave cylinder for wear, check the spigot/pilot bearing in the crank, replace the pressure plate and disc as a matched kit, follow the FSM torque specs, and bleed the hydraulics and set pedal free-play to spec.
• Driving style matters: lots of stop–start or riding the pedal can shorten bearing life. Resting a foot on the pedal keeps the bearing working when it should be off-duty.

If the 1997 Pajero is an automatic, there’s no clutch release/thrust bearing fitted. Any driveline noise in that case will need a different diagnostic path—think torque converter, flexplate, or ancillary bearings.

Popular questions

Does a 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero with an automatic gearbox have a thrust bearing?
Automatic Pajeros don’t use a clutch release (thrust) bearing. They use a torque converter, so any clutch-style thrust bearing noise or servicing doesn’t apply. Manual models do have a thrust bearing as part of the clutch release system.

What are the signs the thrust bearing is failing on a 1997 Pajero manual?
Listen for a whirring, chirp, or squeal when the clutch pedal is pressed, plus a rough or notchy pedal feel. If it gets worse, the clutch may drag and make selecting first or reverse harder at a stop. Noise that changes with pedal position (not engine revs) points to the bearing.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced whenever the clutch is done?
Yes. Because the gearbox has to come out to access it, it’s standard practice to replace the thrust bearing with the clutch disc and pressure plate. It’s cheap insurance against doing the job twice within a few thousand kilometres.