Parts for your 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander-Thrust bearing

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander thrust bearing — what’s fitted and what’s not

Based on Mitsubishi’s factory Workshop Manual for the CW-series Outlander (2007–2012) and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, a clutch thrust bearing (also called the clutch release or throwout bearing) is only fitted to 2008 Outlanders with a manual gearbox. Models equipped with the INVECS-III CVT (Jatco JF011E) or the 6‑speed automatic use a torque converter and do not have a clutch thrust bearing. Those automatic/CVT units have no driver-operated clutch, so a release/thrust bearing simply isn’t part of the design. The engine itself does have internal crankshaft thrust bearings, but they’re not a service item in normal maintenance and aren’t what most people mean when they say “thrust bearing.”

For manual-trans Outlanders, the thrust bearing is a small but crucial part of the clutch system. When the driver pushes the pedal, the bearing slides along the gearbox input shaft sleeve and presses the pressure plate’s fingers, disengaging the clutch so gears can be selected smoothly. A healthy bearing runs quietly and keeps pedal feel consistent, when it’s tired, it can get noisy, grabby, or rough.

Common signs it’s on the way out include a chirp or squeal with the clutch pedal depressed, rumbling that changes as the pedal’s feathered, and a notchier pedal feel. If those noises disappear the moment the pedal is released, the thrust bearing is a prime suspect. During servicing, a tech will typically check for smooth bearing rotation off the car and any excessive play in the carrier or fork.

Replacement is best done whenever the clutch is out, because the gearbox has to come off to access the bearing. Most workshops in Australia and New Zealand will recommend a complete clutch kit (pressure plate, friction disc, thrust bearing) to save on double-up labour down the track. While there, it’s smart to inspect the release fork and pivot, guide tube, and the hydraulics (master/slave) for leaks or wear. A tiny smear of high-temp moly grease on the fork pivot and contact points is good practice, don’t grease the bearing face itself. Flywheel condition should be checked and machined or replaced if heat-spotted or cracked.

There’s no scheduled interval just for the thrust bearing, it’s essentially “replace on condition” and usually renewed with the clutch around higher kilometres or when symptoms appear. Always follow the Mitsubishi workshop specs for fastener torques and clutch alignment. Done properly, the new bearing will keep pedal action light and engagement nice and clean for many years.

• Manual models: thrust bearing fitted and serviceable with clutch.
• CVT/automatic models: no clutch thrust bearing (torque converter design).
• Best practice: replace bearing whenever the clutch is replaced.

Popular questions about 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander thrust bearings

Does my 2008 Outlander even have a thrust bearing?
If it’s a manual, yes — it uses a clutch thrust (release) bearing. If it’s a CVT or a conventional automatic, no — those transmissions use a torque converter and don’t require a clutch release bearing.

What noises point to a failing thrust bearing?
A squeal, chirp, or rumble when the clutch pedal is pressed — that usually quietens when the pedal’s released — is classic thrust bearing behaviour. Rough pedal feel or vibration through the pedal can also show up as the bearing wears.

Should the thrust bearing be replaced on its own?
It can be, but because the gearbox has to come out, most workshops will fit a full clutch kit (including the thrust bearing) in one go. That approach saves labour and helps prevent needing to pull the box again soon after.