Parts for your 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander-Thrust bearing

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander thrust-bearing — what’s fitted and what to do about it

Based on Mitsubishi Motors service literature for the GF/GP Outlander range (2015–2017), the 2016 Outlander fitted with the 5‑speed manual gearbox uses a clutch release thrust bearing (often called a throw‑out bearing). The CVT models (Jatco CVT8/JF016E series) and the 6‑speed automatic V6 use a torque converter and do not use a clutch release/thrust bearing. This is backed by the Mitsubishi service manual clutch section, the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue listings, and Jatco CVT technical guides that show no external clutch release mechanism on CVT or auto variants.

So, if someone’s driving a 2016 Outlander with a CVT or the 6‑speed auto, a “thrust-bearing” in the clutch sense isn’t relevant. There are internal thrust elements in the engine and transmissions, but they’re not service items and aren’t what parts catalogues list as a “thrust bearing” for routine servicing.

For owners of a 2016 Outlander with the manual ‘box, the thrust bearing is absolutely part of the clutch system. It sits on the clutch fork (or carrier) and presses against the pressure plate’s diaphragm spring when the pedal’s pushed, cleanly separating the engine from the gearbox so gears can be selected without any graunching. It’s a sealed bearing, so there’s no greasing during normal servicing. Best practice is to replace it any time the clutch is out. Most workshops fit a complete clutch kit — disc, pressure plate, release (thrust) bearing, and pilot bush/bearing where applicable — because labour to remove the gearbox is the big ticket, not the bearing itself.

Typical clues the thrust bearing’s on the way out include a growl, whirr, or squeal only when the clutch pedal is depressed, a slightly notchy pedal feel, or vibration at the top of the pedal travel. Left to get worse, it can chew into the pressure plate fingers and turn a straightforward clutch job into extra cost.

There’s no fixed kilometre interval, but many owners see well over 150,000–250,000 km before a clutch overhaul, depending on driving style. When the gearbox is out, it’s smart to: inspect the fork and pivot ball for wear, lightly lube the input shaft splines and guide tube with the correct high‑temp moly, check the rear main seal and the gearbox input seal, and resurface or replace the flywheel if it’s glazed or heat‑spotted. On hydraulic systems, make sure the master/slave cylinders are healthy and the fluid is clean and bled properly.

Expect 4–7 hours’ labour depending on equipment and corrosion — so plan the job once, use quality parts, and torque everything to the Mitsubishi specs from the GF/GP service manual. Done right, the new thrust bearing should be quiet as a mouse and last for ages.

• Applies to: 2016 Outlander with 5‑speed manual only.
• Not applicable: 2016 Outlander CVT and 6‑speed automatic (no clutch release/thrust bearing fitted).
• Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual (GF/GP, Clutch and Transmission sections), Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue, Jatco CVT8 (JF016E) service information.

Popular questions

Does a 2016 Outlander with CVT have a thrust bearing?
No — CVT models don’t use a clutch release/thrust bearing. They have a torque converter and belt‑and‑pulley setup with internal bearings that aren’t serviced like a clutch bearing. If someone’s searching for a thrust bearing for a CVT Outlander, that part won’t be applicable.

How long does a clutch thrust bearing last on a manual 2016 Outlander?
There’s no set interval. Many go 150,000–250,000 km or more, but it depends on driving style and conditions. If it’s noisy when the pedal’s down, plan a clutch kit soon to avoid damaging the pressure plate fingers.

What else should be replaced when doing the thrust bearing?
It’s smart to replace the full clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing) and inspect the pilot bush/bearing, fork and pivot, rear main seal, and flywheel. A tidy job now saves headaches and extra labour down the track.