Parts for your 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero-Brake shoes

1986 Mitsubishi Pajero brake shoes: what they do and when to replace them

Brake shoes are absolutely relevant to the 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero (L040/L044) Factory Service Manual (1982–1991), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and the Haynes Repair Manual for Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero (1983–1996) note that most 1986 models run front disc brakes with rear drum brakes that use brake shoes. Even on variants with rear disc brakes, a small “drum-in-hat” parking brake still uses dedicated brake shoes inside the rear rotor hat. So whether it’s the main rear service brakes or the handbrake, shoes are part of the setup.

On this classic 4x4, the brake shoes either provide the main rear braking (drums) or the parking/handbrake hold (drum-in-hat). When the driver brakes, hydraulic pressure pushes the shoes outward against the drum, creating friction to slow the vehicle. For the handbrake system, a cable actuates the shoes mechanically to hold the Pajero steady on hills, beaches, or bush tracks.

For servicing, regular inspection every 20,000 kilometres or 12 months is a smart move, more often if it tows, sees heavy loads, or spends time off-road and in water crossings. Shoes should have sufficient friction lining, wear evenly, and be free of contamination (oil/grease/brake fluid). If the lining is thin, cracked, glazed, or contaminated, replace the shoes as an axle set. Always check the wheel cylinders for leaks, the self-adjusters for free movement, and the return/hold-down springs for fatigue.

Good practice during replacement includes:

• Fitting new hardware (springs/retainers) with the shoes.
• Cleaning with proper brake cleaner and using approved dust control (older linings may contain asbestos).
• Lightly lubricating shoe contact points on the backing plate with high-temp brake grease (not on friction surfaces).
• Inspecting the drums, machine or replace if out-of-round, cracked, or beyond maximum diameter.
• Adjusting the shoes so there’s slight drag, then bedding-in with a few gentle stops.

Tell-tales that it’s time to sort the shoes include longer pedal travel, the Pajero pulling to one side, scraping or squealing from the rear, poor handbrake hold, or any fluid spotted inside the drum. After deep water or muddy tracks, a quick check and clean helps prevent rust, glazing, and uneven wear.

FAQs

Does a 1986 Pajero have rear drum or disc brakes?
The majority have front discs and rear drums that use brake shoes. Some higher-spec models got rear discs, but they still use small brake shoes for the handbrake inside the rear rotor hat.

How often should the brake shoes be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre figure because it depends on driving and load. Inspect every 20,000 km or 12 months, and replace when the lining is below spec, uneven, or contaminated, or if the drums/hardware are worn.

What are common signs the Pajero’s brake shoes are worn?
Longer pedal travel, poor handbrake holding power, scraping or squealing from the rear, the vehicle pulling under braking, or signs of fluid leaks inside the drum area.