Parts for your 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Thrust bearing

2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross — thrust-bearing relevance

For the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross sold in Australia and New Zealand, a standalone clutch thrust-bearing (often called a release or throwout bearing) is not fitted or used. This is because the model range is equipped with an INVECS-III CVT or, in PHEV form, an e‑transaxle without a manual clutch assembly. There’s no pressure plate or release fork to operate, so there’s no separate thrust-bearing to service or replace.

Technical sources backing this up include: the 2024 Eclipse Cross Owner’s Manual (ANZ) which specifies CVT or PHEV drivetrains only, the Mitsubishi Workshop/Service Manual for Eclipse Cross (GK-series) covering Group 22A CVT and PHEV transaxles, which show torque converter and multi-plate clutch packs internal to the unit but no external clutch release mechanism, and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for GK chassis, which does not list a clutch release/thrust bearing for 2024 models.

Worth noting: the 1.5‑litre turbo petrol (4B40) and the PHEV’s engine both use crankshaft thrust faces integrated into the main bearings. Those are internal engine components and not serviced as a routine “thrust-bearing” item. Likewise, the front MacPherson strut top mounts contain a bearing for steering rotation, but that’s catalogued as a strut mount/bearing, not a driveline thrust-bearing.

If someone’s chasing a “thrust-bearing” noise on a 2024 Eclipse Cross, these are the more likely suspects to check under normal servicing:

• Front strut top mount bearings (notchy steering at low speeds, clunks over bumps)
• Serpentine belt idler/tensioner bearings (under‑bonnet whirring or chirping with engine running)
• Wheel hub bearings (road‑speed hum that changes on gentle lane changes)
• CVT/torque converter whine (rare, diagnostic and repair is workshop/dealer only)

Practical tips: stick to the specified engine oil grade and change intervals to protect internal engine bearings, keep the accessory belt and pulleys inspected at scheduled services, and if there’s any driveline noise under acceleration or at idle in gear, have a qualified technician run CVT fluid condition checks and listen with a stethoscope before parts are thrown at it.

Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Owner’s Manual (MY24, ANZ), Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Service Manual (GK-series) – Engine 4B40 and Group 22A CVT/PHEV sections, Mitsubishi ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue for GK chassis.

Popular questions

Does the 2024 Eclipse Cross have a clutch thrust/release bearing?
No. With CVT across the range (and an e‑transaxle for PHEV), there’s no manual clutch, so there’s no separate release/thrust bearing to service. Any bearing‑type noises are more likely from the strut top mounts, accessory pulleys, wheel hubs, or internal CVT components.

Is there an engine thrust bearing in the 1.5T, and does it need maintenance?
Yes, axial control of the crankshaft is handled by thrust faces on the main bearings. They’re internal, pressure‑lubricated by engine oil, and only inspected during engine overhaul. Routine care is simply the correct oil spec and change intervals noted in the service schedule.

What should be checked if a “thrust-bearing” noise is suspected?
Start with the basics: inspect the serpentine belt, idler and tensioner, check front strut mounts for notchiness, road test for wheel bearing hum, and, if the noise seems transmission‑related, have a workshop assess CVT fluid condition and listen for torque‑converter whine. Avoid guessing—proper diagnosis saves time and money.