Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Brake pads

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero brake pads — what they do and how to look after them

Brake pads are absolutely relevant for a 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero Factory Service Manual for the L040/L041 series (1983–1991), the Haynes Montero/Pajero manual, and the Mitsubishi electronic parts catalogue (ASA/EPC) all specify front disc brakes with replaceable brake pads on this model. Most 1987 Pajeros run front discs with pads and rear drum brakes with shoes, a few higher-spec or later Gen 1 variants may have rear discs, but front pads are standard across the range.

On the front axle, the pads clamp the rotors to slow the vehicle, converting motion into heat. Good pads deliver consistent stopping power, help keep pedal feel nice and firm, and protect the rotors from scoring. For a Pajero that’s often driven on gravel, towing, or loaded up for trips, quality pads make a noticeable difference to braking confidence.

As part of regular servicing of your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero brake-pads, it’s smart to:

• Inspect pad thickness every 10,000–15,000 km, or at each service. Replace before reaching the wear indicator or the minimum thickness noted in the workshop manual.
• Check for uneven wear, glazing, cracks, or contamination from grease or fluid.
• Clean and lubricate caliper slide pins with high-temp brake grease so the pads release properly.
• Measure rotor condition (thickness, runout, surface). Machine or replace if they’re below spec or badly scored, pairing new pads with damaged rotors is false economy.
• Refresh brake fluid on schedule (typically every 2 years) to prevent moisture build-up and maintain pedal feel.

Driving signs that it’s time to swap the pads include squealing or scraping, longer stopping distances, vibration under braking, and the vehicle pulling to one side. After fitting new pads, bed them in with a series of moderate stops from suburban speeds to mate the pad material to the rotor. Avoid heavy braking for the first 200–300 km if possible.

Because older vehicles may still carry legacy friction material, handle brake dust with care. Use a damp cloth or approved brake cleaner—never dry-blow—with appropriate PPE. Choose a reputable brand pad suited to mixed on-road/off-road use, and they’ll serve the Pajero well for many more kilometres.

How often should the front brake pads be replaced on a 1987 Pajero?

It varies with use, but many owners see 25,000–60,000 km. Heavy towing, lots of downhill work, sand or mud, and city stop–start will shorten pad life. The safest approach is to inspect at each service and replace before hitting the wear indicators or minimum thickness.

What are the common signs the front pads need attention?

Squeal or scraping, a soft or pulsating pedal, visible thin pads, the car pulling when braking, or increased stopping distance. If any of these show up, inspect pads, rotors, and caliper slides together.

Does the 1987 Pajero use pads on the rear as well?

Most 1987 models use rear drum brakes with shoes, not pads. Some later Gen 1 or higher-spec variants may have rear discs. A quick look behind the rear wheels will tell the story—drum housings mean shoes, visible rotors and calipers mean pads.