Parts for your 2021 Mitsubishi Asx-Thrust bearing

2021 Mitsubishi ASX Thrust Bearing — Is It Fitted or Needed?

For the 2021 Mitsubishi ASX sold in Australia and New Zealand, a clutch thrust (release) bearing isn’t fitted and isn’t a service part. That’s because the 2021 ASX line-up in these markets uses a CVT automatic across the range, not a manual gearbox that would require a clutch and release bearing. This is confirmed by Mitsubishi Motors Australia and Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand model specification guides for MY21 ASX, and by the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, which only lists a clutch release bearing for earlier 5‑speed manual variants, not for CVT models.

Technically, the CVT used in the ASX (Jatco CVT8 family) employs a torque converter and a belt-and-pulley system, so there’s no driver-operated clutch and therefore no clutch thrust/release bearing to maintain or replace. The Mitsubishi ASX/RVR service manual CVT section details internal bearings and components, but none are the traditional “clutch thrust bearing” found in manuals, and they aren’t separate routine service items.

Worth noting: the 2.0L 4B11 engine does have crankshaft thrust bearings integrated into the main bearing set. These control axial crank movement but are internal to the engine and only inspected during an engine rebuild. They aren’t the part most people mean when searching for a “thrust bearing” and they aren’t replaced during normal servicing.

Chasing a noise that sounds like an old-school thrust bearing whine? On a 2021 ASX, the usual suspects are different:

• CVT issues: fluid condition, calibration/software updates, or internal pulley/bearing wear
• Auxiliary drive components: idler/tensioner pulleys or alternator bearings
• Engine or transmission mounts causing vibration under load

If any of those symptoms show up—shudder on take-off, whining that changes with road speed, or roughness at idle—book a diagnostic with a workshop familiar with Mitsubishi CVTs. Use only the specified CVT fluid and follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. Asking for a “thrust bearing replacement” on a 2021 ASX will send a technician on a wild goose chase, because that service item doesn’t exist on the CVT-equipped model.

Popular questions about 2021 Mitsubishi ASX thrust bearing

Does a 2021 Mitsubishi ASX have a clutch thrust/release bearing?
No. The 2021 ASX in Australia and New Zealand uses a CVT, so there’s no manual clutch and no clutch release (thrust) bearing to service or replace.

Is there any thrust bearing in the 2021 ASX at all?
The engine has internal crankshaft thrust bearings within the main bearings, but they’re not routine service parts. They’re only checked during an engine overhaul, not during regular maintenance.

What should be checked instead if there’s a noise like a failing thrust bearing?
On a CVT ASX, look at CVT fluid condition, potential CVT pulley/bearing noise, accessory belt idler/tensioner bearings, alternator bearings, and engine/trans mounts. A CVT specialist can pinpoint the source quickly.