Parts for your 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero-Thrust bearing

2001 Mitsubishi Pajero thrust bearing — what it is, and how to look after it

Yes, a 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero uses a thrust bearing. On manual-transmission models, the clutch release bearing (commonly called a thrust bearing) is a standard service item, and the engine itself also uses crankshaft thrust bearings to control end-float. This is documented in Mitsubishi’s Pajero/Montero NM–NP Workshop Manual (Group 22A – Clutch: Release Bearing) and the Engine Overhaul Sections for the 4M41 diesel and 6G74 V6 (crankshaft thrust bearing/end-play checks). You’ll find the same called out in mainstream repair texts like the Haynes/Gregory’s manuals for Pajero/Montero (late ’90s–late 2000s), and in Mitsubishi’s ASA parts catalogue, which lists a release bearing for NM/NP manual clutches. Automatic-transmission Pajeros don’t have a clutch thrust/release bearing, but they still have engine crankshaft thrust bearings.

On a manual 2001 Pajero, the thrust (release) bearing lets the clutch disengage smoothly when the pedal’s pressed. It rides on the gearbox input shaft sleeve, pushed by the clutch fork and slave cylinder, and presses the diaphragm spring in the pressure plate. It’s a hard-working little unit that lives with heat, dust, off-road muck, and plenty of pedal action.

When it gets tired, it’ll often tell a story: a light whirring or chirp with the pedal depressed, roughness you can feel through the pedal, or a squeal that comes and goes with clutch operation. Left alone, a crook bearing can score the pressure plate fingers and make gear changes cranky.

Good practice on a Pajero is to replace the release bearing whenever the clutch is out — typically alongside a new disc and pressure plate. That’s straight out of the workshop approach in Group 22A: if you’ve already done the labour to drop the gearbox, fitting a fresh bearing avoids doing the same job twice. While you’re there, it’s smart to inspect the clutch fork and pivot ball, replace the spigot/pilot bearing in the crank, lightly lube the input shaft splines and the bearing guide tube with the grease type specified in the manual, and check the rear main seal for weeps.

• Driving tips: avoid riding the clutch, keep proper pedal free-play, and bleed the hydraulics if the take-up point wanders.
• Off-road habits: after water crossings or deep dust, listen for new noises — contaminants shorten bearing life.
• Engine note: the 4M41 and 6G74 engines use crankshaft thrust bearings, end-float gets checked during engine work per the engine overhaul sections.

For automatics, there’s no clutch thrust/release bearing to service, but the torque converter and flexplate have their own checks during transmission servicing.

Popular questions about 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero thrust bearings

Does a 2001 Pajero actually have a thrust bearing?
Manual models do — it’s the clutch release bearing. It’s listed in Mitsubishi’s NM/NP Workshop Manual (Clutch Group 22A) and the parts catalogue. Autos don’t have a clutch release bearing, but every engine variant still uses crankshaft thrust bearings to control end-float.

What are the signs the thrust (release) bearing is failing?
Noises with the clutch pedal depressed — chirping, squealing, or a gravelly whirr — plus a notchy feel in the pedal are common clues. If the sound changes as you press and release the pedal, the release bearing is a prime suspect.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced on its own?
It can be, but it’s best replaced with the clutch kit because the labour to remove the gearbox is the same. Most technicians will also inspect the fork, pivot, spigot/pilot bearing and rear main seal while in there, following the Workshop Manual process.