Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Cv joint

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero CV Joint — purpose, servicing and when to replace

Technical documentation confirms the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero uses constant velocity (CV) joints on the front drive shafts of its part‑time 4WD independent front suspension. This is detailed in the Mitsubishi Factory Service Manual for first‑generation Pajero/Montero (Group 26: Front Axle/Hub) and mirrored in the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for L040/L049 series, both of which show outer Birfield‑type CV joints and inner tripod/DOJ joints on the front half‑shafts. Aftermarket workshop references (Haynes/Chilton for 1983–1991 Pajero/Montero) describe identical service procedures for these CVs.

On a 1987 Pajero, the CV joint’s job is simple but vital: it sends drive to the front wheels while the suspension moves and the wheels steer, keeping power delivery smooth even at sharp angles. The outer joint handles steering angle, the inner joint manages plunge as the suspension travels. When everything’s healthy and packed with the right moly CV grease, it’s quiet and seamless.

What puts them at risk? Split boots and lost grease, mud and water ingress from river crossings, lifted ride heights that increase joint angle, and hard turning under load. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, dust and corrugations don’t help either. Once a boot tears, grease flings over the inner guard and the joint can pit quickly.

Good servicing practice for a ’87 Pajero includes eyeballing the front CV boots at every oil change or at least every 10,000 km. If there’s any grease spray on the rim or under the guard, fix it before the joint runs dry. Use quality neoprene boots, stainless bands, and proper moly CV grease. With manual free‑wheeling hubs fitted, unlocking them on‑road reduces CV wear when 2H is selected.

• Tell‑tale symptoms: clicking on tight turns, shudder on take‑off, vibration under load, torn boots, or excessive play when the wheel is rocked with the hub unlocked.
• Replacement tips: many owners opt for complete half‑shaft assemblies for reliability and time savings. If reusing shafts, avoid pulling the inner tripod apart, keep everything spotless, and replace any staked nuts, circlips and split pins. Torque fasteners to spec from the workshop manual and re‑check after a short shakedown.

For vehicles that see water or beach work, it’s smart to inspect boots after trips and consider more frequent grease checks. Done right, Pajero CVs can run for hundreds of thousands of kilometres without drama.

Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual, Group 26 Front Axle (1982–1991, first generation), Mitsubishi ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue (L040/L049 front axle shaft assemblies with Birfield outer and DOJ inner joints), Haynes/Chilton Montero/Pajero workshop manuals covering 1983–1991 front drive shaft and CV service.

FAQs

How long do CV joints typically last on a 1987 Pajero?
With intact boots and quality grease, many last 150,000–300,000 km or more. Heavy off‑road work, big tyres, lifts, and water crossings can shorten that. Regular boot checks are what make the difference.

Is it safe to drive with a clicking CV joint?
Short local trips at low speed may be possible, but it’s risky. A failing outer CV can let go suddenly, especially under steering load. If the Pajero has manual free‑wheeling hubs, unlocking them reduces stress, but it’s still best to sort it promptly.

Should the whole shaft be replaced, or just the joint?
On Gen‑1 Pajero, complete half‑shafts are often cost‑effective and save time. Rebuilding just the outer joint is fine if the inner tripod is tight and the shaft is straight. If boots have been torn for a while, a full shaft swap is usually the smarter bet.