Parts for your 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander-Wheel bearings

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander wheel-bearings: what they do and when to replace them

Wheel bearings are definitely fitted to the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. Technical references such as the Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual for the ZL/GF series (2019–2020) under Front/Rear Axle – Wheel Hub and Bearing, and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, both specify a unitised wheel hub and bearing assembly at each corner. Major bearing manufacturers’ application catalogues for 2020 Outlander models (2WD and AWD) also list complete hub-bearing units, confirming their use.

On this model, the bearings are sealed “for life” inside a hub assembly. Their job is simple but vital: keep the wheel spinning smoothly with minimal friction while carrying the vehicle’s weight and cornering loads, and keep everything aligned so the ABS and stability control can do their thing. The integrated design includes an encoder for ABS/ASC, so correct fitment matters for safety systems.

There’s no periodic greasing or adjustment to do, servicing is all about inspection. At each service, a technician should listen for a growl or humming that rises with road speed, check for play by rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock, feel for roughness when the wheel is spun off the ground, and look for uneven tyre wear. Rough Kiwi backroads, Aussie corrugations, heavy loads and coastal conditions can shorten bearing life, but many last well past 150,000 km when tyres are kept balanced and wheels torqued correctly.

When replacement is due, the Outlander typically takes a complete hub assembly rather than a loose bearing. Best practice is to:

• Use quality OEM or reputable aftermarket hubs (e.g., NSK, SKF, Timken) with the correct ABS encoder.
• Replace single-use hardware such as staked axle nuts and hub bolts, and torque everything to the service manual specs.
• Avoid hammering the hub, use proper pullers/press tools to protect the knuckle and driveshaft.
• Road test for noise and run an ABS scan after fitment, an alignment check is smart if the knuckle was disturbed.

It’s not mandatory to change bearings in pairs, but if one side has failed from water ingress or impact, the opposite side deserves a close look. Keeping tyres rotated, wheels balanced, and avoiding deep water when hot will help the new bearings go the distance.

Popular questions

Do Outlander wheel bearings need regular greasing?
No. The 2020 Outlander uses sealed hub-bearing units that are lubricated for life at the factory. There are no serviceable grease points. The maintenance task is inspection and timely replacement if noise or play appears.

How can they tell if the noise is a wheel bearing and not the tyres?
A bearing hum usually changes with speed and often gets louder when gently loading that corner in a turn. Tyre roar is more constant and can change when swapping front and rear tyres. A technician can road test, then lift the car and spin each wheel by hand while listening with a stethoscope.

Is it safe to keep driving with a noisy bearing?
Not recommended. A failing bearing can overheat, damage the hub or ABS encoder, and in worst cases lead to wheel wobble or loss of control. It’s best to book it in promptly and sort it before it escalates.