Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Brake pad wear indicator

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero — Brake Pad Wear Indicator

Technical sources agree the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero (Gen 1) uses mechanical brake pad wear indicators (squeal tabs) on its disc-brake pads and does not employ an electrical warning light or wired sensor. This is documented in: Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual 1983–1991, Brakes (Disc Brakes section), Haynes Manual for Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero 1983–1997, Brake chapter, Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue (Gen 1 front disc listings), and Australian brake pad catalogues from Bendix and Bosch that specify audible wear indicators for these pad sets.

On a 1987 Pajero, the brake pad wear indicator is a small metal tang fixed to the pad’s backing plate. As the friction material wears down, the tang contacts the rotor and emits a sharp squeal. That audible cue tells the driver the pads are nearing minimum thickness and need attention. There’s no dash light to rely on—just the squeal, plus routine visual checks.

Servicing is straightforward. During any scheduled brake inspection (every 10,000–15,000 km or 6 months, sooner if towing or doing muddy off-road work), check pad thickness and look for the indicator tang’s position relative to the disc. Replace pads when the lining is around 2–3 mm or if the indicator has begun to sing out. Many 1987 Pajeros run front discs and rear drums, if yours has rear discs, those pads may also have the same type of squeal tab.

When replacing pads, never cut off the indicator. Make sure any pad with a tab is fitted in the correct caliper position (some sets have only one or two tabs). Clean and lightly lubricate slide pins and contact points with the proper high-temp brake grease, refit anti-rattle shims, and ensure the pad can move freely in the bracket. Inspect rotors for thickness, scoring and run-out, machine or replace if they’re out of spec. After reassembly, pump the pedal to seat the pistons, then bed-in the pads with a series of gentle stops from suburban speeds, avoiding heavy braking or sitting on the pedal while hot.

If you’re hearing a squeal, don’t ignore it. The tab is designed to be louder than daily noise, and continuing to drive can chew into the rotor. That means more cost, more downtime, and less stopping power—none of which a Pajero owner needs.

• Does a 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero have a brake pad warning light?

No. The 1987 Pajero uses mechanical squeal tabs on the disc-brake pads. When pads wear low, the tab contacts the rotor and squeals to alert the driver. Regular visual inspections are still essential, especially if driving off-road or towing.

• Which wheels on a 1987 Pajero have wear indicators?

Front discs definitely use pads with mechanical wear tabs. Many 1987 models have rear drum brakes (no pad wear indicators there), though some variants with rear discs may also have tabs on the rear pads. A quick look behind the wheels will confirm your setup.

• What if new pads squeal straight after fitting?

Light noise can happen if the pads weren’t bedded-in properly, the anti-rattle shims are missing or misfitted, or the contact points and slide pins weren’t cleaned and lubricated. Recheck the installation, ensure the indicator tab isn’t contacting the rotor by mistake, and complete a correct bed-in cycle.