Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Clutch master cylinder

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero clutch master cylinder — what it does and how to look after it

Technical sources — the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (1983–1991, Clutch section), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for L040-series vehicles, and the Haynes Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1983–1996 manual — all confirm that 1987 Pajero models with manual transmissions use a hydraulic clutch with a firewall-mounted clutch master cylinder. So yes, a clutch master cylinder is fitted and relevant to this vehicle.

On a ’87 Pajero, the clutch master cylinder sits on the driver’s side of the firewall and converts pedal movement into hydraulic pressure, sending fluid down to the slave cylinder to disengage the clutch. When it’s healthy, pedal feel is firm and gear changes are clean, when it’s tired, the pedal can go soft, engagement gets vague, and it can be hard to slot into gears when hot.

Routine servicing is simple and well worth doing, especially on vehicles that see off-road use. Check the fluid level in the reservoir regularly and top up with the specified brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4 as noted on the cap or in the FSM). Brake fluid is hygroscopic and hard on paint, so wipe spills straight away and replace fluid every two years to keep corrosion and seal wear at bay.

Common signs the master cylinder needs attention include:

• Spongy or sinking clutch pedal,
• Difficulty selecting gears, especially first and reverse, and
• Fluid loss, dampness at the pushrod boot, or peeling paint beneath the reservoir.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent home mechanic. Use a flare-nut spanner on the hydraulic line, protect paintwork, and note the pedal clevis position before removal. Bench-bleed the new master, fit it, then bleed the system at the slave cylinder until the pedal firms up and air is gone. Set pedal free play to spec as outlined in the factory manual to avoid clutch drag or slip. Given the age of these rigs, it’s smart to replace the slave cylinder and flexible hose at the same time to keep the whole hydraulic system reliable.

Quality OEM-spec parts and fresh fluid go a long way to preserving pedal feel and gearbox synchros. For owners who tour or tow, periodic inspections of the pushrod boot and line fittings help catch weeps early and keep the Paj on song.

Popular questions

What brake fluid should be used in the 1987 Pajero’s clutch master cylinder?
Use DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap or in the factory service manual. Avoid silicone DOT 5, as it’s not compatible. If switching between DOT 3 and DOT 4, it’s fine — just flush thoroughly.

How do you bleed the clutch on a 1987 Pajero?
Top the reservoir, then crack the slave cylinder bleeder. Have a helper press and hold the pedal, close the bleeder, then release the pedal. Repeat until no air bubbles appear and the pedal firms up. Keep the reservoir topped so you don’t draw in air. A one-way bleeder or vacuum bleeder can make the job tidier.

Does the Pajero’s clutch share fluid with the brakes?
No. On 1987 models it uses a separate small reservoir on the clutch master cylinder. That means low clutch fluid won’t usually affect the brake system, but both should be serviced on the same fluid-change cycle.