Parts for your 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero-Thrust bearing

2006 Mitsubishi Pajero thrust-bearing: what it does and when to replace it

Yes, a thrust-bearing is relevant on a 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero—on manual-transmission models. Mitsubishi’s workshop manual for the Pajero/Montero (2006, Group 22 – Clutch) details the clutch release bearing (often called a thrust or throwout bearing), and common aftermarket catalogues in Australia and NZ (such as Exedy’s clutch kits for 2000s Pajero models) list a release/thrust bearing as part of the kit. The Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue also shows a release bearing for manual variants. Automatic Pajeros don’t have a serviceable clutch thrust-bearing, any internal transmission thrust bearings aren’t routine service items.

On a manual Pajero, the thrust-bearing sits on the gearbox input side and presses against the pressure plate’s diaphragm spring when the clutch pedal is pushed. Its job is simple but vital: it lets the rotating clutch assembly be disengaged smoothly while the bearing itself spins freely under load. If it’s tired, drivers may notice noises with the pedal down, a rough or pulsing pedal feel, or notchy engagement.

There’s no regular maintenance for the thrust-bearing itself—no greasing or adjustment. Best practice is to replace it every time the clutch is done. Given the gearbox has to come out to access the clutch, it’s false economy not to fit a new release bearing while you’re in there. A quality OE-spec or reputable aftermarket bearing is recommended.

• Typical symptoms of wear:
  • Squeal, chirp or rumble when the clutch pedal is depressed
  • Vibration through the pedal or inconsistent engagement point
  • Noise that disappears when the pedal is released
• Good service tips when replacing:
  • Always replace the clutch disc, pressure plate and release (thrust) bearing together
  • Inspect the clutch fork, pivot ball and bearing carrier/sleeve for wear
  • Check the spigot/pilot bearing in the crank
  • On 3.2 Di‑D models with a dual-mass flywheel, confirm flywheel condition and spec, resurface/replace as required
  • Bleed the hydraulic clutch system and verify pedal free play and smooth travel

If a Pajero driver hears a bearing-like noise only when the pedal is pressed, it’s worth booking an inspection before it worsens and starts to affect the pressure plate fingers. Keep in mind that a noisy idle that goes quiet when the pedal is pressed often points instead to the gearbox input bearing—so accurate diagnosis matters.

Technical references: Mitsubishi Motors Workshop Manual (Pajero/Montero/Shogun 2006, Group 22 – Clutch), Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue for 2006 Pajero manual models, Exedy Australia/NZ clutch kit catalogues listing release/thrust bearings for 2006 Pajero applications.

Popular questions about 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero thrust-bearing

How do you tell if the thrust-bearing is failing on a 2006 Pajero?
Common signs include a squeal, chirp or grinding noise when the clutch pedal is pressed, a rough or pulsating pedal feel, and notchy gear changes. If the noise disappears when the pedal is released, the release (thrust) bearing is a prime suspect. Have a technician confirm it, as gearbox input bearings can make different noises with opposite pedal behaviour.

Is it safe to keep driving with a noisy thrust-bearing?
Short trips might be okay, but it’s not ideal. A failing bearing can chew into the pressure plate fingers and contaminate the clutch with debris, turning a straightforward bearing swap into a full clutch and possible flywheel job. It’s smarter to plan repairs soon rather than push your luck.

Do automatic 2006 Pajeros have a thrust-bearing to service?
No. Automatics don’t use a clutch release/thrust bearing. While there are internal thrust elements inside an automatic transmission, they’re not routine service parts and only addressed during a transmission rebuild.