Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Brake shoes

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero Brake Shoes — Purpose, Care and When to Replace

Based on technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (1982–1991, Brake section), the Haynes Repair Manual for Montero/Pajero 1983–1991, and Australian parts catalogues from brands such as Bendix and Protex, the 1987 Pajero typically runs front disc brakes and rear drum brakes that use brake shoes. Even on variants that gained rear discs in some markets, a small drum-in-hat parking brake with shoes is commonly used. So brake shoes are absolutely relevant to a 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero.

On a first-gen Pajero, the rear brake shoes sit inside the brake drum and press outwards to create friction when the brake pedal is applied. They help share braking work with the front discs and also do the heavy lifting for the handbrake. Drum brakes are tough, self-energising, and well-suited to off-road touring, towing, and muddy tracks because their enclosed design keeps a lot of muck out.

Good upkeep keeps the big wagon stopping straight and true. During regular servicing (every 10,000–15,000 kilometres is a sensible check interval), the shoes should be inspected for lining thickness, even wear, glazing, and cracks. The wheel cylinders need checking for leaks and smooth operation, the adjusters should move freely, and the return springs need to be in good nick. Drums should be measured for wear and checked for scoring or out-of-round.

• Tell-tales it’s time to replace: longer stopping distances, a scraping or grinding noise, the Pajero pulling to one side under brakes, handbrake travel getting excessive, or brake fluid at the backing plate.
• Best practice: replace rear shoes as an axle set, fit a fresh spring/hold-down kit, clean and lightly lubricate contact points with proper high-temp brake grease (never the linings), and service/replace sticking adjusters and any weeping wheel cylinders.

After new shoes are fitted, they’ll need bedding-in. Take it easy for the first couple of hundred kilometres with a series of gentle to moderate stops to mate the linings to the drums. Adjust the handbrake correctly once the shoes are set, too tight and they’ll drag and overheat, too loose and the Pajero won’t hold on a hill.

If the vehicle sees river crossings, sand, or mud, it’s smart to rinse the area and do a few light brake applications to dry the shoes afterwards. Avoid blowing out dust with compressed air, use brake cleaner and a catch tray, and wear a mask—older linings may contain nasties. With quality parts and proper setup, the rear shoes will generally run for a long stint, but they’re worth a look every service to keep the big Mitsubishi safe and sorted.

Popular questions about 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero brake shoes

Do all 1987 Pajeros have brake shoes?
Most Australian and New Zealand–market 1987 Pajeros use rear drum brakes with shoes. Some trims in certain markets gained rear discs, but they typically still use small internal parking brake shoes inside the disc hat, so shoes remain relevant.

How often should the brake shoes be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre number because it depends on driving, towing, and off-road use. Many sets last anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 kilometres. The smart play is to inspect every service, replace when the linings are low or uneven, and always do both sides at once.

How is the handbrake adjusted after fitting new shoes?
First, adjust the star wheels at each rear drum so there’s slight, even drag, then back off a touch. After that, set the handbrake cable so the lever travel feels right and the vehicle holds firmly without dragging. If unsure, get a brake specialist to dial it in.