Parts for your 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero-Control arms

1986 Mitsubishi Pajero Control Arms — What They Do and How to Look After Them

Based on the Mitsubishi Factory Service Manual for the 1983–1989 Pajero/Montero front suspension, the Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS parts catalogue entries for upper and lower arm assemblies on first‑gen Pajero (L0/L1 series), and mainstream workshop guides (e.g., Haynes Pajero/Montero 1983–1996), the 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero is fitted with front control arms. It uses a torsion‑bar, double‑wishbone independent front suspension with upper and lower control arms. Rear suspension varies by model (leaf‑sprung live axle on many, coil‑sprung live axle with trailing arms on some), but the front control arms are standard and very relevant.

On a 1986 Pajero, the control arms (often called wishbones) locate the front wheels and manage camber and caster as the suspension moves. Paired with the torsion bars and ball joints, they keep the front end tracking straight, help the tyres wear evenly, and soak up the rough stuff on corrugations. They’re tough, but decades of work—plus Aussie and Kiwi roads—mean bushes crack, ball joints loosen, and cam bolts seize.

Servicing is straightforward if done methodically:

• Inspect rubber bushes and ball joint dust boots every 10,000–15,000 km, or before big trips.
• Look for signs of wear: clunks over bumps, vague steering, pulling under brakes, uneven tyre wear, or a shimmy at speed.
• Check the control‑arm pivot bolts and eccentric cam bolts for rust and movement, free them up carefully and set to factory torque during reassembly.
• Any time a ball joint or bush is replaced, book a full wheel alignment—camber and caster on these trucks depend on arm position.

When replacing bushes, OEM‑style rubber keeps ride comfort and noise in check, while polyurethane can sharpen steering response but may add a touch more NVH. Ball joints were originally riveted on some variants, replacements typically bolt in—use quality parts and follow factory torque procedures. If the vehicle has done serious off‑road work or carries accessories (bar, winch), extra front‑end stress accelerates bush and joint wear, so shorten inspection intervals. Lastly, set front ride height (torsion bars) before aligning, and always verify bump‑stop clearance so the arms aren’t topping out.

Treated right, the Pajero’s control arms deliver that classic first‑gen blend of durability and feel, keeping the rig sure‑footed from back roads to beach tracks.

Popular questions about 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero control arms

Does a 1986 Pajero have front control arms or wishbones?
Yes. The first‑gen Pajero runs independent front suspension with upper and lower control arms (double wishbone) and torsion bars. Rear layout varies by model, many are leaf‑sprung live axle, while some coil‑sprung variants use trailing arms on the axle.

What symptoms point to worn control‑arm bushes or ball joints?
Common signs include clunks over bumps, wandering steering, brake shimmy, and inner or outer tyre edge wear. You might also notice vibration through the wheel or a struggle to hold alignment after rough tracks.

Rubber vs polyurethane bushes—what’s better on a 1986 Pajero?
Rubber is quieter and closest to factory feel, great for daily and touring duty. Polyurethane is firmer, improves steering precision, and holds alignment better under load, but can add a bit of noise and harshness. Choice depends on comfort vs control priorities.