Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Centre bearing

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero centre bearing — what it does, and when you actually need one

Based on Mitsubishi’s factory Workshop Manual (1982–1991, Group 22: Propeller Shaft), the ASA/CAPS electronic parts catalogue, and common aftermarket listings used by driveline specialists in AU/NZ, a centre bearing is used on long-wheelbase (5‑door) 1987 Pajero models with a two-piece tailshaft. Short-wheelbase (3‑door) 1987 Pajero models run a single-piece tailshaft and do not have a centre bearing. So, the part is relevant and fitted on LWB wagons, it’s not used on SWB variants.

For SWB owners: there’s no centre bearing because the tailshaft is short enough to be a single piece, which keeps weight, complexity, and maintenance down. The extra length on LWB vehicles needs a two-piece tailshaft and a centre support to control vibration and shaft whip under load.

For LWB owners where a centre bearing is fitted, here’s what matters. The centre bearing sits mid-way along the two-piece tailshaft, suspending it in a rubber carrier and locating it on a bracket bolted to the chassis. Its job is to keep the tailshaft running true, cut down vibration, and protect the universal joints and gearbox/transfer case from excess load. When the rubber perishes or the bearing wears, you’ll often notice a droning or rumbling noise that changes with road speed, a shudder on take-off, or clunks as load comes on and off. Left too long, it can accelerate U-joint wear and put nasty stress into the transfer case output.

Servicing is straightforward to check and a bit more involved to replace. At each service, a quick visual inspection for cracked rubber, sag in the carrier, or any play/noise when the shaft is rotated by hand is worth doing. Also look for torn dust seals and loose bracket fasteners. If replacement’s on the cards, the tailshaft needs to come out. Always mark the flanges and yokes so the shaft goes back in the same orientation and phasing. The bearing is a press fit on the shaft, a puller/press is typically required. It’s good practice to replace the carrier (rubber support) with the bearing, and fit new flange nuts/bolts where specified in the manual. After refit, torque to factory specs, check driveline angles, and road test for vibration. If a buzz remains, a balance check by a driveline shop is wise. Quality aftermarket or genuine parts both work, the important bit is correct fitment and keeping the tailshaft in phase. A quick eye over it at each service can save a roadside drama and keep the old Paj tidy for WOF/regos.

• Common symptoms: rumble with speed, shudder on launch, thumps on load change, visible rubber cracking/sag.
• Service tip: inspect every service, replace bearing and carrier together, maintain tailshaft phasing and torque specs.

Popular questions

Does every 1987 Pajero have a centre bearing?
Not every one. LWB (5‑door) models use a two-piece tailshaft with a centre bearing, SWB (3‑door) models have a single-piece tailshaft and no centre bearing. This layout is confirmed in Mitsubishi’s Workshop Manual (Group 22) and the ASA/CAPS parts catalogue used by dealers and driveline shops.

What are the tell-tale signs my centre bearing is on the way out?
Look for a speed-related rumble, a take-off shudder, clunks as you go on/off throttle, or a centre carrier that’s cracked or sagging. If you can move the shaft up/down at the carrier or hear roughness spinning it by hand, it’s time to plan a replacement.

Can it be driven if the centre bearing is noisy?
You can limp for a short period, but it’s not ideal. A failing bearing can hammer the U-joints and stress the transfer case output. Best bet is to book it in soon, before it snowballs into a bigger driveline bill.