Parts for your 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer-Thrust bearing

2000 Mitsubishi Lancer thrust-bearing: what it is, where it fits, and how to look after it

Based on technical references including the Mitsubishi Motors CE Lancer Workshop Manual (Clutch and Engine sections), the Haynes Mitsubishi Lancer 1992–2005 manual, and Exedy clutch kit service notes, the 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer with a manual gearbox is fitted with a clutch release (thrust) bearing. Automatic variants do not use a clutch thrust bearing, as they employ a torque converter. The engine itself also uses crankshaft thrust bearings inside the main bearing set, but these are internal engine components and not part of routine clutch service.

On a manual 2000 Lancer, the thrust bearing sits on the clutch fork and slides along the gearbox input shaft snout. When the clutch pedal is pressed, the bearing pushes against the diaphragm spring fingers on the pressure plate, allowing the clutch disc to disengage. It only spins when the pedal is depressed. Because it’s doing that high-load contact work, a tired bearing will make itself known with a whirring, chirp, or rumble that changes as the pedal is pressed and released.

Good practice, echoed in the Mitsubishi workshop manual and common clutch manufacturer guidance, is to replace the thrust bearing any time the clutch assembly is out. It’s a relatively inexpensive part compared with the labour of removing the gearbox. The bearing itself is sealed and shouldn’t be packed with grease. Instead, a light smear of high‑temperature grease is applied to the carrier contact points, the clutch fork pivot, and the guide tube/input shaft snout—while keeping grease off the friction surfaces.

The CE Lancer’s cable-operated clutch also relies on correct pedal free play. Too little free play can have the bearing riding the pressure plate all the time, which cooks it early. Too much free play can cause poor disengagement. Workshop guidance calls for checking and adjusting free play at service intervals, and inspecting the fork, pivot ball, and release lever for wear. If there’s any notchiness or noise with the pedal pressed, or visible play at the bearing carrier, replacement is the smart choice.

Owners who hear noise only with the clutch pedal down are usually dealing with a thrust bearing, noise with the pedal up is more often input shaft or gearbox bearings. Following the factory manual procedures and using quality parts keeps the Lancer shifting sweetly for many more kilometres.

• Manual models: clutch thrust bearing fitted
• Automatic models: no clutch thrust bearing (torque converter instead)
• Engine has internal crankshaft thrust bearings—not routine service items

Popular questions about the 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer thrust-bearing

Does every 2000 Lancer have a thrust bearing?
Manual-transmission cars do—this is the clutch release (thrust) bearing. Automatic Lancers don’t use a clutch thrust bearing because they have a torque converter. All engines have internal crankshaft thrust bearings, but those aren’t serviced during clutch work.

What are the signs the thrust bearing needs replacing?
Tell-tales include a whirring, chirping, or grinding noise that appears when the clutch pedal is pressed and disappears when it’s released. A rough or notchy pedal feel and poor disengagement can also point to a worn bearing or related fork/pivot wear. If the gearbox is coming out for any clutch job, replacing the bearing is recommended.

Should the thrust bearing be greased?
The bearing itself is sealed and shouldn’t be packed with grease. A light application of high‑temp grease belongs only on the carrier contact points, clutch fork pivot, and the input shaft snout/guide tube, keeping lubricant well away from the pressure plate and disc. This approach aligns with Mitsubishi’s workshop procedures and clutch supplier instructions.