Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Control arms

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero Control Arms

Based on technical references — including the factory Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual for the 1982–1991 L040/L140 series, the Mitsubishi OEM parts catalogue (ASA), and mainstream aftermarket catalogues that list front upper and lower control arm bushes/ball joints for the model year — the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero is fitted with control arms. The front suspension is independent double-wishbone with torsion bars, which uses upper and lower control arms, the rear is a live axle (leaf or coil/trailing-arm depending on trim).

On a 1987 Pajero, the front control arms (wishbones) locate the steering knuckle and let the wheel move up and down while keeping the alignment steady. They set and hold camber and caster, take the hit from corrugations and potholes, and work with the torsion bars and sway bar to keep the big 4x4 planted. Each arm uses bushes at the chassis end and a ball joint at the knuckle end, so if those wear, the Pajero starts to feel a bit loose and wander-prone.

For regular servicing, it’s smart to give the control arms a look every service or 10,000 km — more often if the Pajero sees outback tracks or towing. Signs the bushes or ball joints are past their best include:

• Clunks or knocks over speed humps or corrugations
• Vague steering, tramlining, or pulling under brakes
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear on the front
• Torn ball joint boots or perished/cracked rubber bushes

Replacement can be done as complete arms or by pressing in new bushes and swapping ball joints. Many owners prefer OEM-style rubber bushes for comfort, polyurethane can sharpen steering but may transmit a bit more vibration. If removing the lower arm, back off and safely unload the torsion bar first. Always support the chassis with stands, use a ball joint separator (not a hammer), and torque the pivots at normal ride height so the bushes aren’t pre-loaded at the wrong angle.

After any control arm or bush/ball joint work, a proper wheel alignment is a must to set camber and caster. It’s also worth checking sway bar links, tie-rod ends, and the condition of the arm mounting points for rust, particularly on older, beach-run Pajeros. Doing both sides together helps keep handling balanced and predictable.

FAQs

How can someone tell if the control arm bushes on a 1987 Pajero are worn?
They’ll usually feel looseness in the steering, hear knocks over bumps, or see cupping/feathering on the front tyres. A visual check often shows cracked rubber or bushes that have shifted off-centre. Levering the arm gently with a pry bar (safely supported) can reveal excessive play.

Can just the bushes and ball joints be replaced, or is a whole new arm needed?
Both approaches work. Press-in bushes and bolt-on ball joints are readily available for the 1987 Pajero and are cost-effective. Complete arms can save time and ensure everything is square, which is handy if the old arm is bent or the bush housings are flogged out.

Is a wheel alignment required after control arm work?
Yes. Because the arms control camber and caster, any change or disturbance can shift alignment. A post-repair alignment protects tyres and restores straight-line stability and steering feel.