Parts for your 2023 Mitsubishi Asx-Thrust bearing

2023 Mitsubishi ASX: Is there a thrust bearing on this model?

Short answer: a clutch thrust bearing (often called a release bearing) isn’t used on the 2023 Mitsubishi ASX in Australia and New Zealand. Technical sources including Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s 2023 ASX specification sheets and the ASX Owner’s Manual list a continuously variable transmission (CVT) across the range, with no manual gearbox option. A CVT uses a torque converter and a belt/variator arrangement, so there’s no clutch assembly and therefore no clutch thrust/release bearing to service or replace. Dealership parts catalogues for the 2023 ASX likewise don’t list a clutch release bearing for CVT-equipped models.

Why it isn’t used comes down to the drivetrain design. A manual transmission needs a clutch to engage and disengage drive, and that system relies on a release (thrust) bearing to press on the clutch diaphragm. The ASX’s CVT doesn’t have that hardware. Instead, it uses hydraulic control and a torque converter to handle take-off and gear ratio changes. That’s why owners won’t find a thrust-bearing line item in the service schedule or parts list for a 2023 ASX.

Worth noting: the engine itself does have internal crankshaft thrust bearings (sometimes called thrust washers) to control end float, as with almost all modern engines. These live inside the engine’s main bearing assembly and aren’t considered a routine service part, they’re only addressed during engine overhaul if wear is out of spec, as indicated in Mitsubishi workshop procedures.

• All 2023 AU/NZ ASX grades: CVT, no manual clutch, no clutch thrust/release bearing (Mitsubishi model specs/Owner’s Manual).
• No thrust-bearing maintenance is listed in the scheduled servicing for this model.
• If you’re chasing noise or driveline feel issues, look to CVT fluid condition, mounts, or hub/ancillary bearings rather than a non-existent clutch release bearing.

For best results, stick to the service intervals in the Owner’s Manual for CVT fluid inspections/changes (use the specified Mitsubishi CVT fluid) and have any unusual noises checked by a Mitsubishi-trained technician who can distinguish CVT whine, pulley/belt noise, or hub bearing growl from other sources.

Popular questions

Does the 2023 Mitsubishi ASX have a clutch thrust/release bearing?
No. The 2023 ASX sold in Australia and New Zealand uses a CVT across all trims, so there’s no manual clutch and no clutch thrust/release bearing fitted. That’s why you won’t see it listed as a service part.

What should owners service instead of a thrust bearing on a 2023 ASX?
Focus on CVT maintenance per the Owner’s Manual—fluid condition and changes as specified for normal or severe use—plus routine checks of engine and transmission mounts, driveshafts, and wheel bearings. These items are relevant to driveline smoothness and noise on the CVT-equipped ASX.

Are there any thrust bearings in the engine, and do they need attention?
Yes, the engine has internal crankshaft thrust bearings, but they’re not a scheduled service item. They’re only inspected during engine tear-down or if there are signs of internal wear. Regular oil changes with the correct spec oil help protect internal bearings over the long haul.