Parts for your 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Thrust bearing

2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross thrust-bearing — is it used, and does it need servicing?

For the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (including petrol CVT and PHEV variants), a clutch thrust-bearing (often called a throw-out bearing) is not fitted. This generation is sold with a continuously variable transmission (INVECS-III CVT) for the 1.5L turbo petrol, and an e-transaxle for the PHEV — neither uses a manual clutch assembly that would require a thrust/release bearing. This is confirmed in Mitsubishi Motors Australia and New Zealand MY23 specification sheets that list CVT across the range, the 2023 Owner’s Manual describing CVT operation only, and Jatco CVT8 technical literature that details torque-converter CVT architecture without a clutch release bearing.

Why it isn’t used: a clutch thrust-bearing is specific to manual transmissions where the bearing presses the pressure plate to disengage the clutch. The Eclipse Cross’s CVT uses a torque converter and variable pulleys, so there’s no pressure plate, no clutch fork and no release/thrust bearing to service. The Eclipse Cross PHEV’s e-transaxle likewise doesn’t use a conventional manual clutch release system.

What the vehicle does have: like virtually all modern engines, the Eclipse Cross engines (1.5L 4B40 turbo and the PHEV’s 2.4L) incorporate a crankshaft thrust bearing integrated into the main bearing set to control end-float. The front suspension’s MacPherson struts also use a top mount bearing that supports steering loads, some workshops casually call this a “thrust” or “strut top” bearing. The CVT contains internal thrust bearings and washers as part of its gearset and pulley support, but these are internal, non-serviceable components replaced only during transmission overhaul.

Servicing relevance: there’s no scheduled replacement for a “thrust-bearing” on a 2023 Eclipse Cross because the clutch-style thrust bearing doesn’t exist on this model. Engine thrust bearings are only inspected during bottom-end work, strut top bearings are inspected when diagnosing steering noises or during front suspension work, and CVT internal thrust elements are addressed only if the transmission is removed and rebuilt by a specialist.

Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Motors Australia 2023 Eclipse Cross specifications (CVT across range), Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2023 Owner’s Manual (CVT operation and service schedule, no clutch service items), Mitsubishi service information for 4B40/4B12 engines (main bearing/thrust bearing arrangement), Jatco CVT8 (JF016E/JF017E) technical overview (torque-converter CVT without clutch release bearing). These documents collectively support that a discrete clutch thrust-bearing isn’t fitted or serviced on this vehicle.

Popular questions about 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross thrust-bearings

Does a 2023 Eclipse Cross have a clutch thrust-bearing?
It doesn’t. All 2023 Eclipse Cross models in Australia and New Zealand use a CVT (and the PHEV uses an e-transaxle), so there’s no manual clutch or release/thrust bearing to replace.

What parts on a 2023 Eclipse Cross actually use thrust bearings?
The engine has a crankshaft thrust bearing integrated into the main bearings, the front strut mounts have a bearing to support steering loads, and the CVT contains internal thrust bearings. None of these are routine service items like a manual clutch release bearing.

Hearing a noise that sounds like a bad thrust-bearing — what should be checked?
On this model, noises often blamed on a “thrust-bearing” are more likely from the strut top bearings (clunks or graunching while steering), accessory drive pulleys, the A/C compressor clutch, or normal CVT whine. A workshop can road test and isolate the source before recommending repairs.