Parts for your 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero-Thrust bearing

1999 Mitsubishi Pajero thrust-bearing — fitment, purpose and service advice

Based on technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual 1997–2002 (Clutch section), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and Australian clutch catalogues from Exedy, the 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero fitted with a manual gearbox uses a clutch release (thrust) bearing. Automatic variants don’t use a clutch thrust-bearing, although the engine does have crankshaft thrust bearings inside the main bearing set, only addressed during engine overhaul.

For manual 1999 Pajero models, the thrust-bearing sits on the gearbox input shaft sleeve and transfers pedal force from the clutch fork to the pressure plate’s diaphragm spring while spinning freely. That lets the clutch disengage smoothly without chewing out the fork or pressure plate fingers. It’s a small part that cops a tough life, especially in 4WDs used for towing, sand work, or stop‑start city runs.

It’s not a service item you lubricate, it’s sealed and replaced as a unit, typically whenever the clutch is done. Most workshops in Aus and NZ will recommend a full clutch kit—pressure plate, driven plate, release (thrust) bearing, and spigot/pilot bearing—so everything’s fresh while the gearbox is out.

• Common signs it’s on the way out: squeal or chirp when the pedal is pressed, a growl that changes with pedal position, a notchy or heavy pedal feel, and trouble selecting gears at a standstill.
• Smart add-ons while you’re in there: inspect the clutch fork and pivot ball, guide tube/sleeve, pedal bushings, and hydraulics (master and slave). Any slop or leaks will quickly ruin a new bearing.

Good practice during replacement:

1. Lightly grease the guide tube and the fork contact points with a high‑temp moly grease—never the bearing face.
2. Set correct pedal free play so the bearing isn’t preloaded. Riding the clutch or no free play shortens its life fast.
3. Check the pressure plate fingers for uneven wear and ensure the spigot/pilot bearing is smooth and quiet.

Service life varies with use, but many Pajeros see a clutch and thrust-bearing somewhere around 150,000–250,000 km. If the vehicle is an automatic, a noisy “thrust” sound won’t be from a clutch release bearing—diagnosis should shift to the torque converter, flexplate, or driveline, with engine thrust bearings only considered if there are axial crank symptoms during an engine rebuild.

Popular questions

Does every 1999 Pajero have a thrust-bearing?
Manuals do—it's the clutch release (thrust) bearing. Automatics don’t have a clutch thrust-bearing, though the engine itself has internal crankshaft thrust bearings that aren’t part of routine servicing.

When should the thrust-bearing be replaced on a 1999 Pajero?
Replace it whenever the clutch is out, or sooner if there’s noise when the pedal is pressed. Heavy towing, off‑road work, and lots of stop‑start driving can bring replacement forward.

What else should be checked when replacing the thrust-bearing?
Inspect the clutch fork, pivot ball, guide tube, spigot/pilot bearing, and the hydraulic master and slave cylinders. Set correct pedal free play to avoid preloading the new bearing.