Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Wheel hubs

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel hubs: what they do and how to look after them

Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual for 1983–1991 models, Gregory’s Pajero Service and Repair Manual (No. 511), and the Haynes Pajero/Montero 1983–1996 guide confirm that the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero is fitted with conventional wheel hubs at all four corners and, on many trims, front free‑wheeling (manual or automatic) locking hubs. So wheel hubs are absolutely relevant on this model.

On a ’87 Pajero, the wheel hubs carry the load, locate the wheels, and house the serviceable tapered roller bearings up front. Many Australian and New Zealand–delivered examples use manual locking hubs on the front axle, others ran auto hubs or fixed drive flanges. The locking hub simply connects or disconnects the front wheels from the front axle shafts, helping reduce drag and fuel use in 2H while keeping solid drive in 4H/4L when needed.

For servicing, the front hubs and bearings are old‑school and friendly to maintain. During a brake or suspension refresh, it’s smart to:

• Clean and repack the front wheel bearings with quality high‑temp wheel bearing grease, replacing the inner oil seal, outer gasket/O‑ring, and any damaged circlips or cone washers.
• Inspect bearing races for pitting or heat marks and replace as a matched set if worn. Don’t mix old and new halves.
• Set bearing preload/end float exactly as per the workshop manual using the correct locknut procedure and torque. Too tight cooks bearings, too loose gives play and wander.
• For manual locking hubs, check the hub body gasket, spring tension, and that the selector turns crisply. Lightly grease the mechanism—avoid over‑greasing which can gum it up in cold weather.

Typical signs it’s time for attention include a humming or rumbling that changes with speed or when cornering, free play at the wheel when rocked at 12 and 6 o’clock, visible grease leakage, or heat discolouration on the hub. If you’re pulling the front end apart for CVs or brakes, it’s a great time to refresh bearings and seals. On the rear, check axle seals for leaks and bearing play, many Gen‑1 Pajeros use a pressed‑on rear bearing and retainer that requires a press to service—follow the manual and replace the retainer collar once removed.

For longevity, spin the front hubs to “LOCK” and drive a short distance every month or so. It keeps everything lubricated, especially if the vehicle spends most of its time in 2H. Unlock for everyday sealed‑road use to cut noise, wear, and fuel burn.

Popular questions about 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel hubs

Do 1987 Pajeros have manual or automatic locking hubs?
Many 1987 Pajeros in AU/NZ were delivered with manual free‑wheeling hubs, while some trims had automatic hubs or fixed flanges. Manuals are common and preferred off‑road for their reliability and positive engagement.

How often should the wheel bearings be repacked?
As a rule of thumb, inspect and repack the front wheel bearings every 20,000–40,000 km, or whenever you’re servicing brakes or doing water crossings regularly. Replace seals each time the hub is stripped.

Is it OK to drive with the front hubs locked in 2H?
Yes, you can, and many do to keep the front end lubricated. Expect a slight hit to fuel economy and a bit more driveline wear. For daily sealed‑road driving, it’s best to leave them unlocked.