Parts for your 2014 Mitsubishi Asx-Thrust bearing

2014 Mitsubishi ASX thrust-bearing: what it is, when it applies, and how to look after it

Technical references including the Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual (ASX/Outlander Sport GA2W/GA4W, Group 21 – Clutch), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for GA2W/GA4W, and major aftermarket clutch catalogues (e.g., Exedy kits for ASX petrol and diesel manuals) all show a clutch release (thrust) bearing on manual-transmission 2014 ASX models. The INVECS‑III CVT section of the service manual specifies a torque converter and no clutch release bearing. So, a thrust-bearing is relevant for manual ASX models and not applicable to CVT-equipped vehicles.

On a manual 2014 Mitsubishi ASX, the thrust-bearing (also called the clutch release or throw‑out bearing) lets the rotating clutch be disengaged smoothly when the pedal is pressed. It rides on the gearbox input shaft sleeve and pushes against the clutch diaphragm via the fork, allowing low‑friction, controlled pedal feel and quiet operation. It’s small, but it cops plenty of load every time the driver shifts or holds the car at the lights with the pedal down.

There’s no scheduled maintenance interval for the thrust-bearing itself, it’s a replace-on-condition item and is routinely renewed whenever the clutch is replaced. As part of sensible servicing on a manual ASX, any clutch work should include a new release bearing, inspection of the fork and pivot, the guide tube, and the retaining clips, plus a light application of high‑temp grease on the fork contact points and the guide tube. Keep grease well away from the friction surfaces and the bearing face.

Common signs the thrust-bearing is getting tired include:

• A whirring, growling, or chirping noise that appears when the clutch pedal is depressed and fades when it’s released
• Notchy or inconsistent pedal feel, or vibration through the pedal on engagement
• Roughness felt when rotating the bearing by hand during inspection

Replacement requires removal of the transmission, so it’s smart to do the lot at once: clutch disc and cover, release bearing, check the spigot/pilot and guide surfaces, and assess the rear main seal and flywheel condition. Bleed or adjust the clutch hydraulics as needed (follow the workshop manual procedure), and torque all fasteners to the values specified in the Mitsubishi service manual.

If the ASX is fitted with the CVT, a clutch thrust-bearing doesn’t exist in that system, drive-off is managed by a torque converter. In that case, the only “thrust bearings” on the vehicle are the crankshaft thrust surfaces inside the engine, which aren’t routine service items and are only addressed during engine repair work. That’s why parts catalogues and manuals list a thrust/release bearing specifically against manual gearboxes only.

• Popular questions

Does my 2014 ASX have a thrust-bearing?
If it’s a manual, yes — it uses a clutch release (thrust) bearing. If it’s the INVECS‑III CVT, no clutch thrust-bearing is fitted. Check your build plate or the gear selector: a conventional H‑pattern shifter means manual, PRND on the console means CVT.

What noise points to a failing thrust-bearing?
A growl, whirr, or chirp that starts when the clutch pedal is pressed and quietens when released is classic release‑bearing noise. If the noise is present with the pedal up and disappears when you press it, that’s more likely gearbox input shaft bearing noise instead.

Should the thrust-bearing be replaced with the clutch?
Absolutely. Because the gearbox has to come out to access it, it’s standard practice to renew the release bearing whenever the clutch is replaced, and to inspect the fork, pivot, guide tube and hydraulics at the same time.