Parts for your 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Thrust bearing

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross thrust bearing — what’s actually fitted

Based on Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s 2018 Eclipse Cross specifications and the GK/GL series Owner’s Manual, all Australian and New Zealand models were delivered with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) and no manual gearbox. In Mitsubishi’s clutch system documentation, a thrust/throw-out (release) bearing only exists on manual transmissions. Because the local Eclipse Cross range is CVT-only, a clutch thrust bearing isn’t fitted or serviced on these vehicles. The Mitsubishi workshop manual for the 4B40 1.5T engine also notes crankshaft thrust bearings inside the engine, but these are internal parts, not routine service items. CVT technical sections likewise show thrust-type bearings inside the transmission, but they’re non-serviceable components only addressed during a full rebuild.

Why it’s not used on local cars: the Eclipse Cross CVT uses a torque converter and belt-and-pulley arrangement to transmit drive, rather than a manual clutch assembly. There’s no pressure plate or release fork, so there’s no external clutch thrust/throw-out bearing to replace. A small number of overseas markets offered a 6‑speed manual, those vehicles do use a clutch release bearing, but that setup wasn’t sold new in AU/NZ, so it won’t appear as a normal service part locally.

• What people often mean by “thrust bearing”:
  • Clutch release (throw-out) bearing — not applicable to AU/NZ CVT models.
  • Engine crankshaft thrust bearings — internal, only touched during engine overhaul.
  • CVT internal thrust bearings — internal, only during transmission rebuild.
  • Strut top bearings (front suspension) — sometimes confused with “thrust” bearings but are separate suspension parts.

If there’s a whine, rumble, or grinding noise, it’s far more likely to be a wheel bearing, a front strut top bearing, or CVT-related pulley/roller noise rather than a clutch thrust bearing. Stick to the Mitsubishi schedule for CVT fluid changes and inspect wheel and suspension bearings if you’re chasing noises. If the vehicle is a grey-import manual, then a traditional clutch release bearing applies — but that’s outside standard AU/NZ specification.

Popular questions about 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross thrust bearings

Does a 2018 Eclipse Cross have a clutch thrust (release) bearing?
For AU/NZ models, no. The 2018 Eclipse Cross here uses a CVT, which doesn’t have a manual clutch or release bearing. Only manual variants sold in some overseas markets use a clutch release bearing.

Are there any thrust bearings in the engine or transmission?
Yes, but they’re internal. The 4B40 engine uses crankshaft thrust bearings to control end-float, and the CVT has thrust-type bearings inside. These aren’t routine service parts and are only addressed during major overhauls or rebuilds.

What should be checked if there’s a bearing-type noise?
Start with wheel bearings and front strut top bearings, then consider CVT-related noises. Follow Mitsubishi’s service intervals for CVT fluid and have a technician diagnose any unusual sounds before parts are ordered.