Parts for your 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero-Wheel hubs

1988 Mitsubishi Pajero Wheel Hubs — What They Do and How to Look After Them

Yes, wheel hubs are absolutely used on the 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero L040 Factory Service Manual (FSM), Gregory’s Service & Repair Manual for Mitsubishi Pajero (1983–1996), and Haynes Pajero/Montero manuals all describe serviceable front wheel hubs with taper roller bearings and free‑wheeling (locking) hub mechanisms on many trims of the 1988 model. That setup is typical of the first‑gen, part‑time 4WD Pajero sold in Australia and New Zealand.

On this Pajero, the hub assembly secures the wheel to the stub axle, carries the wheel bearings, and provides the mounting face for the brake disc. Up front, the free‑wheeling hub lets the driver disconnect the front wheels from the axle in 2H to cut drag and noise, then lock them for 4H/4L when heading off‑road. It’s a tough, simple design that suits touring, towing, and the odd muddy weekend.

Because the 1988 Pajero uses serviceable taper roller bearings, hub maintenance is part of proper servicing. The FSM and the above manuals specify periodic inspection, cleaning, and repacking of the front wheel bearings—more often if the vehicle sees water crossings, beach work, or heavy dust. The locking hub unit (often AISIN on factory fitment) should be kept clean, its O‑rings and gaskets checked, and its fasteners torqued correctly. Always set bearing preload per the FSM procedure while rotating the hub, then secure the lock nuts as specified.

• Common signs the hubs or bearings need attention:
  • Play at the wheel when rocked at 12 and 6 o’clock
  • Growling or rumbling that changes with speed or steering
  • Grease leakage past the hub seal or metal flakes in old grease
  • Locking hubs hard to turn, slipping out of LOCK, or uneven engagement

When replacing parts, choose quality bearings and seals, and stick with reputable locking hubs if upgrading (many owners prefer OEM AISIN or a well‑known aftermarket equivalent). Use a high‑temperature, NLGI #2 wheel‑bearing grease, replace cotter pins and gaskets, and clean mating faces carefully. After any hub or bearing job, road‑test for heat, noise, and correct 4WD engagement, then recheck preload after a short shakedown. For torque specs and the exact adjustment sequence, follow the Mitsubishi FSM or an equivalent Gregory’s/Haynes procedure.

Look after the hubs and they’ll look after the Paj — quieter on‑road, stronger off it, and less wear on the front end when cruising in 2H.

Popular questions about 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel hubs

Do 1988 Mitsubishi Pajeros have manual locking hubs or automatic hubs?
Most Aussie and Kiwi ’88 Pajeros came with manual free‑wheeling hubs on the front axle, though some variants used fixed drive flanges or market‑specific auto‑locking hubs. If the hub face has a dial marked FREE/LOCK, they’re manual. No dial usually means a fixed flange.

How often should the front wheel bearings be repacked?
For mixed road use, periodic inspection and repack at regular service intervals is recommended