Parts for your 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Bump stops

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross bump stops: what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical references including the Mitsubishi Motors Eclipse Cross (GK) Service Manual – Suspension section, the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for GK1W/GK2W, and aftermarket damper catalogues (KYB/Monroe), the 2018 Eclipse Cross is fitted with bump stops front and rear. The front MacPherson struts use internal jounce bumpers (within the strut assembly under the dust boot), and the rear suspension features bump stops that limit compression travel. So yes—bump stops are absolutely relevant on this model.

Bump stops act like the last line of defence for the suspension. They’re dense foam or rubber pieces designed to cushion full-compression hits, stopping metal-on-metal contact and protecting struts, shocks, mounts and bodywork. On the Eclipse Cross, they help keep ride height and geometry in check when the suspension bottoms out over potholes, corrugations, kerbs or when the car’s loaded up for a weekend away.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to have the bump stops inspected any time the wheels are off—particularly when replacing tyres, doing brakes, or during shock/strut work. They can perish, crack, or crumble with age, heat and road grime. If the dust boots are torn, the bump stops often suffer too. There’s no fixed kilometre interval, but a quick look every 20,000–30,000 km or annually is a good habit.

Common signs it’s time to replace them:

• Harsh “thud” or bottoming feel on big bumps or speed humps
• Visible cracking or missing chunks on the bump stops
• Leaking or prematurely worn shocks/struts (often a partner issue)
• Lowered or lifted ride height without appropriately matched bump stops

Replacement is straightforward for an experienced tech: fronts require strut removal and safe spring compression to access the jounce bumper and boot, rears depend on the exact rear layout, but are generally accessible with the vehicle safely supported. After any front strut removal, an alignment check is recommended to keep tyre wear even and steering feel spot-on.

When choosing parts, OEM-style microcellular foam stops keep the factory ride quality, while some aftermarket options are tuned for firmer control. If the vehicle’s been lowered, shorter progressive bump stops can help preserve travel, if it’s set up for touring and loads, ensure the stops suit the added weight. Fresh dust boots are cheap insurance—fit them together with new stops.

Bottom line: healthy bump stops protect comfort, handling and the expensive bits. Keeping them in good nick on a 2018 Eclipse Cross is a small job that saves big headaches down the track.

Popular questions

Do the front and rear of a 2018 Eclipse Cross both have bump stops?
Yes. The fronts use a jounce bumper inside each MacPherson strut under the dust boot, while the rear suspension has dedicated bump stops to manage compression travel. This setup is documented in the Mitsubishi service manual and parts catalogue for the GK-series Eclipse Cross.

How often should bump stops be replaced?
There’s no strict schedule. Inspect them annually or every 20,000–30,000 km, and replace if they’re cracked, crushed, oil-soaked, or missing. Any time shocks or struts are replaced, it’s wise to renew the bump stops and dust boots together.

Is it safe to drive with damaged bump stops?
They won’t strand the car, but running without effective bump stops can hammer shocks, mounts and bodywork on big hits. Expect harsher impacts, potential tyre contact under load, and faster wear of suspension components. It’s best to sort them promptly.