Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero-Thrust bearing

1998 Mitsubishi Pajero thrust-bearing: what’s fitted and how to look after it

Technical sources show that a thrust bearing is used on 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero models with a manual gearbox, and not used on automatic variants. The Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual (1997–1999, Group 21 – Clutch) details inspection/replacement of the clutch release (thrust) bearing, while the Mitsubishi ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue for V4x chassis codes lists the release bearing as part of the clutch release fork assembly. Aftermarket catalogues for Australia/NZ, such as Exedy application guides for 1991–2000 Pajero manuals, also include a release bearing in their clutch kits. Automatic 1998 Pajeros use a torque converter, so there’s no clutch thrust/release bearing in those transmissions.

On manual 1998 Pajeros, the thrust bearing (often called the clutch release or throw-out bearing) is the hard-working bit that presses against the pressure plate’s diaphragm spring when the clutch pedal’s down. Its job is simple: let the clutch disengage smoothly so gears slot in cleanly without graunching. It spins only when the pedal’s being used, but it lives a tough life, especially in 4WDs that tow, tour and crawl.

Good ones are quiet and drama-free. Worn ones let you know about it: a squeal, chirp or rough whirr when the pedal is depressed, a change in noise as pedal pressure varies, or a vibration felt through the pedal. If ignored, the bearing can seize and chew into the pressure plate fingers, turning a routine clutch job into a pricey rebuild.

Best practice during servicing? Treat the thrust bearing as a “while you’re in there” item. Any time the gearbox is out for a clutch, replace the bearing along with the clutch disc and pressure plate—most quality clutch kits include it. It’s smart to also check the clutch fork, pivot ball, release sleeve, spigot/pilot bearing and the gearbox input shaft snout for wear, and refresh the clutch master/slave hydraulics if they’re tired. A tiny smear of the right high-temp grease on the fork pivot and bearing guide is important—too much or the wrong type can contaminate the clutch.

There’s no fixed kilometre interval, but many Pajero owners see 150,000–250,000 km from a clutch depending on use. Lots of stop–start city driving, sand work, steep hill starts or heavy towing will shorten life. If the pedal gets heavier, engagement gets notchy, or noise appears when the pedal’s down, plan an inspection. And for those with automatics: your Pajero doesn’t have a clutch thrust bearing, any driveline noise will be from other components, not this part.

• Signs it’s time: noise with pedal depressed, rough pedal feel, hard shifting.
• Replace with the clutch kit, inspect fork, pivot, pilot bearing and hydraulics.
• Use OE-quality parts and correct grease, avoid riding the clutch.

Technical references: Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual 1997–1999 (Group 21 – Clutch), Mitsubishi ASA EPC (V45/V46 series) – clutch release bearing listing, Exedy Australia/NZ clutch kit application data including release bearing for 1990s Pajero manuals.

FAQs

Do automatic 1998 Pajeros have a thrust bearing?
No. Autos use a torque converter, so there’s no clutch thrust/release bearing. Any noise when selecting gears or in Drive will relate to the transmission, driveline or engine ancillaries, not a clutch bearing.

What are the common symptoms of a failing thrust bearing on a 1998 Pajero manual?
A squeal, chirp or grinding noise when the clutch pedal is pressed, a changing pitch with pedal travel, or a rough/vibrating pedal feel. If it’s noisy with the pedal released instead, look elsewhere—possibly the gearbox input shaft bearing.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced on its own?
It can be, but it’s rarely worth splitting the box just for the bearing. Most techs replace the full clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing) and inspect the fork, pivot and pilot bearing at the same time to avoid repeat labour.