Parts for your 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Thrust bearing

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross thrust bearing — do you actually need one?

Short answer: for Australian and New Zealand–delivered 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross models, a clutch thrust (release) bearing isn’t a thing you’ll service or replace — because there’s no manual clutch. These cars run a CVT, so there’s no clutch pedal and no release/thrust bearing to go with it.

This position lines up with the technical literature: Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s 2019 Eclipse Cross specifications list a CVT across the range, the Eclipse Cross (GK) Workshop Manual covers clutch release components only for manual variants (not supplied to AU/NZ), the ASA parts catalogue for GK AU/NZ doesn’t list a clutch release/thrust bearing for CVT models, and JATCO’s CVT8 family (W1C/F1C used with the 4B40 1.5T) uses a torque converter, not a manual clutch, so there’s no external release/thrust bearing in normal servicing.

Where the term “thrust bearing” might still pop up on this model:

• Engine crankshaft thrust bearings (integrated with the main bearings). These control crank end-float but aren’t a routine service item.
• MacPherson strut top mount bearings, sometimes casually called “strut thrust bearings.” These are part of the front suspension top mounts and can wear, causing creaks or notchy steering.
• Internal CVT thrust elements/bushes. They exist inside the transmission but aren’t serviced separately during regular maintenance.

Why a traditional clutch thrust bearing isn’t used: the CVT handles take-off via a torque converter and ratio changes via belt/variator and control hydraulics. Without a clutch pedal and pressure plate, there’s no release mechanism — so no release/thrust bearing to inspect or replace during servicing.

What owners should do instead: if someone’s chasing a noise they reckon is a “thrust bearing whine” whilst pressing a non-existent clutch, it’s time to redirect the diagnosis. Whirring or growling that changes with road speed could be wheel bearings or tyres. Notchy steering or clunks over bumps might point to the strut top mounts/bearings. Excessive engine movement or a harsh driveline clunk on take-up could be an engine mount rather than anything to do with a clutch.

Technical references consulted: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (GK) Workshop Manual (2018–2020), Mitsubishi Motors Australia 2019 model specifications, Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue (GK, AU/NZ market), and JATCO CVT8 (W1C/F1C) transmission overview. If the vehicle is a rare grey‑import manual, different rules apply — that setup would have a conventional clutch release bearing.

• Need help sorting a front-end creak or steering notchiness? Get the strut top mounts and bearings checked.
• Keeping the CVT happy is about fluid condition and software updates, not clutch hardware.

Popular questions

Does a 2019 Eclipse Cross have a clutch thrust (release) bearing?
For AU and NZ models, no. They use a CVT, so there’s no manual clutch and no clutch release/thrust bearing to service. If the car is a manual grey import, it will have one, but that’s uncommon locally.

What might people confuse with a thrust bearing on this car?
Often it’s the front strut top mount bearings causing creaks or notchy steering, or a wheel bearing humming with speed. Engine crankshaft thrust bearings exist internally but aren’t a routine service item and won’t make “clutch pedal” noises on a CVT car.

What should be serviced instead of a thrust bearing on a CVT Eclipse Cross?
Stick to CVT fluid changes per the service schedule, inspect front strut mounts/bearings if steering feels rough, and check wheel bearings and tyres for any speed-related noise. That’s where owners see the most value.