Parts for your 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero-Thrust bearing

2005 Mitsubishi Pajero thrust bearing: what it is, whether it’s used, and how to look after it

Based on technical references — Mitsubishi Motors Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual for NM/NP/NS series (circa 2000–2006) Group 21 – Clutch, the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for the same models, and clutch kit catalogues from OE suppliers such as Exedy — the 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero fitted with a 5‑speed manual transmission uses a clutch release (thrust) bearing as part of the clutch release mechanism. Automatic INVECS transmissions do not use a clutch release bearing. Separately, all engines (4M41 3.2 Di‑D and 6G7x V6) incorporate crankshaft thrust bearings inside the engine, but these are internal components addressed during engine overhaul, not routine servicing. So the “thrust-bearing” is relevant for manual Pajeros as a service item, and not applicable to automatics in that sense.

On a manual 2005 Pajero, the thrust bearing sits on the gearbox input housing and presses against the clutch’s diaphragm spring when the pedal is pushed. Its job is to translate the stationary push from the clutch fork into a smooth, low‑friction axial load on the spinning pressure plate. In a big 4WD that tows, tours and crawls, that bearing cops plenty of heat and load, so choosing quality and keeping the release system healthy matters.

Practical servicing advice for owners of manual Pajeros:

• Replace the thrust bearing whenever the clutch is replaced or the gearbox is out. Most reputable clutch kits bundle a new bearing for this reason.
• Inspect the release fork, pivot ball, guide tube and clutch fork clip. Any grooves, looseness or binding will shorten the new bearing’s life.
• Apply a light smear of high‑temp grease to the guide tube, fork contact pads and pivot — never the bearing face. Over‑greasing attracts dust and can contaminate the clutch.
• Bleed the clutch hydraulics and check pedal free‑play and engagement height. A dragging clutch (air in system, seized slave, misadjustment) forces the bearing to work overtime.
• Listen for changes: a chirp or whirr with the pedal depressed that disappears when released commonly points to a worn thrust bearing. Difficult shifts and a notchy pedal are other flags.

Typical life varies with use — urban stop‑start, towing and off‑road work will shorten intervals — but many Pajero owners see well over 100,000 km on a healthy bearing as long as the clutch is used cleanly and the hydraulics are sound. For clarity, automatic 2005 Pajeros don’t have a clutch thrust bearing, and while the engine does have crankshaft thrust bearings, those are internal pieces checked during an engine rebuild rather than routine servicing.

Popular questions

Where is the thrust bearing on a 2005 Pajero and how long does it last?
It lives on the gearbox input housing, riding the clutch fork and pressing on the pressure plate diaphragm when the pedal is pushed. On a well‑driven Pajero, it often lasts as long as the clutch — commonly 100,000–200,000 kilometres — but heavy towing, riding the clutch, and dusty conditions can shorten that.

What noises point to a failing thrust bearing?
A chirp, squeal or whirr that appears with the clutch pedal depressed and fades when the pedal is released is the classic sign. If it’s noisy with the pedal up and quiet with the pedal down, that’s more likely the gearbox input shaft bearing, not the thrust bearing.

Do automatic 2005 Pajeros have a thrust bearing?
No. Automatics use a torque converter and don’t have a clutch release (thrust) bearing. The engine still has internal crankshaft thrust bearings, but those aren’t serviced unless the engine is being overhauled.