Parts for your 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer-Thrust bearing

2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Thrust-Bearing: What It Is, Where It’s Used, and How to Look After It

Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Lancer CH/CJ Workshop Manuals (Clutch and Engine sections) and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue confirm that 2007 Lancer models with a manual gearbox are fitted with a clutch release bearing (widely called a thrust-bearing/throwout bearing). Automatic models don’t use a clutch thrust-bearing, although all engines (4G94/4G69 in late CH and 4B11 in early CJ) do incorporate crankshaft thrust bearings as part of the main bearing set.

On a 2007 Lancer with a manual transmission, the thrust-bearing sits on the gearbox input shaft sleeve and presses on the clutch diaphragm spring when the pedal’s pushed. Its job is simple but crucial: it converts the clutch fork’s movement into smooth, low-friction rotation so the pressure plate can release cleanly. When it’s healthy, gear changes feel light and precise, when it’s crook, the pedal can feel gritty, noisy, or inconsistent.

Common signs it’s on the way out include:

• A chirp, squeal, or rumble that appears only with the clutch pedal depressed
• Notchy pedal feel or vibration through the pedal
• Difficulty selecting gears, especially first and reverse

Replacement is generally done with the clutch out, so it’s smart to fit a complete clutch kit (pressure plate, disc, thrust-bearing) at the same time to save on labour. The Mitsubishi service manual specifies inspection of the release fork, pivot ball, and input shaft guide tube for wear, replace or dress these parts if they’re scored. Apply only a light smear of high-temp moly grease to the fork contact points and guide tube—too much grease can fling onto the disc.

• Always check pedal free-play and bleed the hydraulic system after refitting
• Use the correct alignment tool and torque specs for pressure plate bolts
• If there’s gearbox oil at the bellhousing, renew the input shaft seal

There’s no routine maintenance interval for the thrust-bearing itself, but good driving habits help it last—avoid riding the pedal at lights and keep the pedal fully out when cruising. During regular services, any new clutch noise that changes when the pedal is pressed is a cue to book an inspection before damage spreads to the pressure plate or fork.

Do automatic 2007 Lancers have a thrust-bearing?
Not in the clutch sense. Autos don’t use a clutch release/thrust-bearing, but the engine still has crankshaft thrust bearings inside the bottom end. If there’s driveline noise on an auto, the issue will be elsewhere (torque converter, mounts, or bearings within the transmission).

What are the signs of a failing thrust-bearing on a 2007 Lancer?
Noise that appears only with the clutch pedal pressed—chirping, squealing, or a low rumble—is the classic sign. You might also feel a rough or vibrating pedal and find first or reverse harder to engage. If the noise is present with the pedal released, look instead at the gearbox input shaft or engine accessories.

Should the thrust-bearing be replaced with the clutch?
Yes. Because the gearbox has to come out to reach it, the best practice is to fit a full clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, thrust-bearing). It’s cost-effective, restores pedal feel, and prevents repeat labour if another old component fails soon after.