Parts for your 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Wheel bearings

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross wheel bearings: what they do and when to replace them

Wheel bearings are very much used on the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Technical sources confirm the fitment of sealed hub-unit bearings front and rear: Mitsubishi Motors Eclipse Cross (GK/GL, 2018–2020) Workshop Manual (Front/Rear Axle – Wheel Hub sections), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue listing hub-and-bearing assemblies, and OE supplier catalogues (e.g., NTN/NSK hub units) all specify bolt-on, sealed bearings with integrated ABS encoder rings for this model.

On the Eclipse Cross, the wheel bearings sit inside a compact hub assembly that lets each wheel spin freely while carrying the SUV’s weight and cornering loads. Because they’re sealed, they’re not a grease-and-adjust job, when worn or noisy, the hub assembly is replaced as a unit. The ABS/ASC systems read wheel speed via an encoder built into the hub, so a failing bearing can sometimes trigger warning lamps as well as noise.

What should owners listen and feel for? Common signs include:

• A humming or growling that rises with road speed
• A rumble that gets louder when gently loading one side while cornering
• ABS or ASC lights if the encoder signal gets messy
• Very slight play at the wheel when checked at the 12/6 o’clock positions

During regular servicing, a tech will spin and rock each wheel, check for roughness or play, inspect the hub and ABS lead, and confirm correct wheel-nut torque. There’s no routine regreasing on this model. Correct torque on the axle nut and wheel nuts matters, over-torque can shorten bearing life. Avoid blasting the hub face with a pressure washer and be gentle around the ABS lead and connector.

Replacement on the Eclipse Cross is typically a bolt-off/bolt-on job: remove the brake hardware and rotor, unplug the ABS lead, undo the axle nut (front) and the hub bolts, then fit the new unit and torque everything to the workshop manual specifications. Front-wheel drive and AWD variants are similar, but procedures and torque values vary, so the manual is the go-to reference. If the steering knuckle is disturbed, a quick wheel alignment check is smart.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, quality bearings often run well past 100,000–200,000 km. Harsh potholes, kerb strikes, beach work, deep water, oversized wheels, or poor torque practices can accelerate wear. When replacement time comes, choosing an OEM-grade hub assembly helps keep things quiet and the ABS happy.

Popular questions

Does the 2020 Eclipse Cross have serviceable (greaseable) wheel bearings?
No. It uses sealed hub-unit bearings front and rear. They aren’t adjustable or greaseable, if they become noisy or develop play, the complete hub assembly is replaced. Regular checks during servicing are still worthwhile to catch early signs of wear and protect the ABS wiring.

How long do wheel bearings last on a 2020 Eclipse Cross?
Many last 100,000–200,000 km or more, depending on road conditions and driving style. Impacts from potholes or kerbs, immersion in water or beach sand, incorrect wheel or axle-nut torque, and heavier aftermarket wheels can all shorten bearing life. Smooth driving and proper torque help them go the distance.

Do both wheel bearings need replacing at the same time?
Not necessarily. It’s fine to replace only the faulty side once the noise is correctly diagnosed. If the vehicle has high kilometres and one side has failed, some owners elect to replace the opposite side on the same axle for peace of mind. After any work that disturbs the knuckle, consider a wheel alignment check.