Parts for your 2020 Mitsubishi Asx-Thrust bearing

2020 Mitsubishi ASX thrust-bearing: what’s fitted and what to do about it

Based on technical sources, a thrust bearing is relevant to the 2020 Mitsubishi ASX, but only in specific contexts. The Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual for the ASX/RVR/Outlander Sport (2019–2020) notes a clutch release (thrust/throwout) bearing on 5‑speed manual models (Group 21A: Clutch), while CVT models use a Jatco CVT8 (JF016E) with a torque converter and therefore have no clutch release bearing. Separately, the engine’s crankshaft uses thrust bearings as part of the main bearing set (Group 11A: Engine). Mitsubishi ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue listings and Exedy’s clutch catalogue for ASX manual variants corroborate the presence of a release bearing on manual cars.

For owners of manual 2020 ASX models, the clutch thrust bearing is the small but crucial unit that sits on the gearbox input shaft sleeve and presses on the pressure plate’s diaphragm when the clutch pedal is pushed. Its job is to carry axial load and let the clutch disengage smoothly with minimal friction and noise. When it’s healthy, shifts are clean and quiet. When it’s tired, drivers may hear a whirring or squeal with the pedal depressed, feel notchier engagement, or notice pedal vibration.

There’s no fixed service interval for the release bearing, it typically lasts the same life as the clutch. In local Aussie and Kiwi conditions, that can be anywhere from 120,000 to 200,000 kilometres, depending on driving style, commuting vs. highway mix, and how often the car is loaded on hills. Best practice is to replace the release bearing whenever the gearbox is out, especially during a clutch change. It’s a sealed component, so don’t try to lube it—just fit a quality new one.

• Recommended when replacing: clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing (as a kit), pilot/guide bush if fitted, and the gearbox input shaft sleeve if worn.
• Inspect and refresh: clutch fork, pivot ball, slave cylinder, and the rear main seal while you’re there.
• After refit: bleed the hydraulics, confirm freeplay and pedal height, and check for any noise with the pedal up and down.

For CVT-equipped 2020 ASX models, there is no clutch thrust/release bearing. If there’s a driveline noise at idle or when selecting Drive, it won’t be the clutch release bearing—diagnosis should focus on the CVT, accessory pulleys, or engine mounts. Regardless of transmission, the engine’s crankshaft thrust bearings are internal and only addressed during an engine overhaul if end‑float is out of spec, as detailed in the Mitsubishi engine service procedures.

FAQs

Does a 2020 Mitsubishi ASX with CVT have a thrust bearing?
Not a clutch release type. CVT models use a torque converter (Jatco CVT8), so there’s no clutch thrust/throwout bearing. The engine still has crankshaft thrust bearings, but those are internal and not part of routine servicing.

How long does the clutch thrust (release) bearing last on a manual ASX?
Often the life of the clutch—roughly 120,000–200,000 km for typical Aussie/NZ use. Heavy stop‑start driving, riding the clutch, or frequent hill starts can shorten that. It’s smart to renew the release bearing whenever the clutch is replaced.

Can the thrust bearing be replaced without changing the clutch?
Yes, but it’s usually not cost‑effective. Because the gearbox has to come out, most workshops recommend fitting a full clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing) and checking the fork, pivot, and hydraulics at the same time to avoid doubling up on labour later.