Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Wheel bearings

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel bearings — what they do and how to look after them

Wheel bearings are absolutely fitted to the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero. Mitsubishi’s factory service manuals for the first‑gen Pajero/Montero (L040 series, 1983–1991) detail adjustable tapered roller bearings in the front hubs and pressed-on bearings on the semi‑floating rear axle. Common workshop guides like Gregory’s and Haynes, plus major bearing catalogues from Timken/NSK, list front and rear wheel bearing part numbers for the 1987 model, confirming they’re standard equipment.

On this classic 4x4, the front wheel bearings are serviceable tapered rollers that sit inside the hub, allowing the wheel to spin smoothly around the stub axle. They carry vehicle load and take a hammering off-road, so looking after them keeps steering precise and tyres wearing evenly. The rears are pressed onto the axle shaft and run in the axle housing, when they get noisy or develop play, they’re replaced rather than repacked.

For regular servicing, it’s smart to clean and repack the front bearings with quality high‑temp wheel bearing grease about every 40,000 km (or sooner if it’s seen water crossings, beach work, or mud). During service, inspect the races and rollers for pitting, discolouration, or roughness. Set the preload/end‑play per the workshop manual using the hub’s adjusting nut and locknut, too tight cooks the grease and risks seizure, too loose gives wheel wobble and brake shudder.

Rear bearings usually run sealed and last a long time, but they do wear. A humming or growling that changes with road speed, play at 12 and 6 o’clock when rocking the wheel, or axle oil seal leaks are classic signs it’s time. Rear replacement typically needs a press and new lock collar and oil seal, it’s a good moment to refresh diff oil (and LSD additive if fitted).

• Symptoms to watch: droning noise on the highway, heat at the hub, grease streaks, steering wander, uneven tyre wear.
• Good habits: avoid blasting hot hubs through deep water, re‑torque after bearing service, and use new cotter pins/lock washers.
• If unsure on adjustment, get a shop familiar with old Pajeros—correct preload makes all the difference.

Do the basics right and the 1987 Pajero’s wheel bearings will stay quiet and happy for years of touring around Aus and NZ.

Popular questions about 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel bearings

How often should the front wheel bearings be repacked?
For typical road use, every 40,000 km or two years is a fair rhythm. If the Pajero does beach runs, river crossings, or muddy tracks, shorten that interval. Water and grit are the enemies of grease, so preventive repacks save bearings and hubs.

What are the signs of worn wheel bearings on this model?
A steady hum that rises with speed, warmth at the hub after a drive, play when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock, and uneven tyre wear point to trouble. Any rumble felt through the steering under light cornering also hints the bearing is on the way out.

Are the rear bearings serviceable or sealed?
On most 1987 Pajeros with the semi‑floating live rear axle, the rear bearings are pressed onto the axle shaft and effectively treated as sealed units—replace rather than repack. Replacement typically involves a press, new lock collar, and a fresh axle oil seal.