Parts for your 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander-Thrust bearing

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander thrust-bearing

Referencing Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual content (Front Suspension, Group 33A) and the Mitsubishi ASA/parts catalogue for the 2018 Outlander, this model uses a thrust bearing integrated into the front MacPherson strut top mount. Those factory sources also show that CVT-equipped variants don’t use a clutch release (thrust) bearing, while the less common 5-speed manual does. So, for every 2018 Outlander, the thrust-bearing most relevant to regular servicing is the front strut-top bearing.

This strut-top thrust-bearing lets the strut assembly rotate smoothly as the steering turns, all while carrying the vehicle’s weight. It cuts down on spring wind-up, minimises steering effort, and keeps road noise and vibration in check. When it’s healthy, steering feels light and consistent, the front end stays quiet over bumps, and tyre wear remains even.

It’s not a scheduled replacement item, but it should be inspected at each front suspension or steering check (a good habit every 40,000 km or if noises develop). Many last well past 100,000 km, though harsher roads, added accessory weight and the PHEV’s extra front axle mass can shorten service life. Most workshops replace the thrust-bearing whenever front struts are changed, as access is the same and it avoids rebuilding the struts twice.

• Tell-tales of wear: creaking or clunking when turning or parking, notchy or heavy steering, delayed steering return to centre, front-end wander, or feathered tyre edges.
• Good practice: replace in pairs, fit new mount nuts, torque to spec, and finish with a wheel alignment.
• Check the rubber strut mount and dust boots at the same time, if the bearing has bound up, the mount may have torn.

The bearings are sealed and don’t want extra grease. Use quality OEM-equivalent units, cheap copies often bind early and can make the steering feel gritty. If the vehicle is one of the rare 2018 manuals, note there’s also a clutch release (thrust) bearing inside the bellhousing that’s replaced with the clutch kit, CVT and PHEV models don’t have that part.

Popular questions

What are the symptoms of a worn front strut thrust-bearing on a 2018 Outlander?

Owners often notice creaks, groans or a clunk as they steer into a park, heavier or notchy steering at low speed, and tyres starting to feather at the edges. Sometimes the steering wheel won’t self-centre smoothly. These symptoms can overlap with a tired upper strut mount or sway-bar link, so a proper inspection is worth it.

Do CVT and PHEV Outlanders have a clutch thrust-bearing?

No. CVT and PHEV variants don’t use a clutch release (thrust) bearing. The only commonly serviced “thrust-bearing” on those models is the front strut-top bearing. Manual Outlanders (where fitted in 2018) do have a clutch release bearing, replaced with the clutch kit.

When should the thrust-bearing be replaced, and is an alignment needed?

There’s no fixed interval, replace when noisy, notchy, or whenever front struts are being renewed. Many workshops recommend doing both sides together to keep steering feel consistent. A wheel alignment is recommended after strut or mount/bearing work, as camber and toe can shift during reassembly.