Parts for your 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero-Suspension bushes

1986 Mitsubishi Pajero suspension bushes — what they are and how to look after them

Suspension bushes are absolutely used on the 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero. Factory literature such as the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual (circa 1983–1991) details rubber bushes at the front double-wishbone torsion-bar setup (control arms and stabiliser bar), and at the rear live axle with leaf-spring eye and shackle bushes on many ’86 models. Technical parts catalogues (e.g., Mitsubishi ASA) list control arm, sway-bar and spring-eye bushes for the L040/L041 chassis. Aftermarket workshop guides (Haynes/Gregory’s) also show inspection and replacement procedures for these bushes on first‑gen Pajeros.

On a 1986 Pajero, suspension bushes are the quiet achievers that keep the rig tight, comfortable and predictable. They’re the rubber (or polyurethane) isolators that sit wherever metal suspension pieces meet — control arms, sway bars, leaf-spring eyes, and on coil‑sprung variants, trailing arms and panhard rods. Their job is to cushion vibration, manage small movement, and hold alignment under load so the Paj keeps tracking straight whether it’s cruising the highway or picking through a rutted track. When the bushes are healthy, steering feel is tidy, tyre wear stays even, and the cabin’s a calmer place.

As part of servicing the 1986‑Mitsubishi‑Pajero suspension bushes, it pays to give them a proper look every 10,000–15,000 km or at each service. A torch check for cracks, splits, perishing, or oil swelling is simple and tells a lot. Any clunks over bumps, vague steering, wandering on cambered roads, or odd braking feel are all classic bush symptoms. On leaf‑spring models, worn spring‑eye and shackle bushes can cause rear‑end steer and thumps, at the front, tired control arm or sway‑bar bushes show up as looseness and front‑end rattle.

Replacement is straightforward if the right approach is taken. Rubber OEM‑style bushes keep the factory ride and noise levels, polyurethane (poly) tightens handling and lasts well, but can add a bit of NVH. Whatever the choice, do one side at a time to use the other as a reference, support the vehicle safely, and mark cam bolts before removal. Press or draw bushes squarely, and always final‑tighten pivot bolts at normal ride height so the bush isn’t pre‑twisted. After front bush work, book a wheel alignment — it locks in caster/camber and saves tyres. While there, inspect sway‑bar links, shackles, U‑bolts, and shock bushes, replacing related wear items together keeps the Pajero feeling consistent and avoids chasing noises later. In short, fresh bushes make an old ’86 Paj feel honest and surefooted again.

• Common wear points: front control arm bushes, front/rear sway‑bar D‑ and link‑bushes, rear leaf‑spring eye and shackle bushes (or trailing arm/panhard bushes on coil‑rear variants).
• Tell‑tales: clunks over speed humps, steering wander, uneven tyre wear, shimmy, and bouncy or delayed turn‑in.

FAQs

How can someone tell their 1986 Pajero’s bushes are due?
Look for cracks or splitting in the rubber, shiny metal where components have been moving, and listen for knocks on take‑off or over potholes. If it wanders on the motorway or chews the inside edges of the front tyres, front arm or sway‑bar bushes are suspects. A pry bar can reveal excessive movement compared with the other side.

Rubber or polyurethane bushes — which suits an ’86 Pajero best?
Rubber keeps the OE ride, isolation and quiet, ideal for touring and mixed on‑road use. Poly sharpens response and tends to last longer off‑road, but may add a touch of vibration or squeak if not lubricated. Many owners run rubber in control arms and poly in sway‑bars for a neat balance.

Is a wheel alignment needed after bush replacement?
Yes for front‑end bushes. Any time control arms or their pivot bushes are disturbed, caster and camber can shift. An alignment protects tyres and restores steering feel. At the rear on leaf‑spring models, alignment isn’t adjustable, but it’s still smart to check thrust angle if spring or shackle bushes were replaced.