Parts for your 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero-Brake shoes

1989 Mitsubishi Pajero Brake Shoes – What They Do and When to Service Them

Based on technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero (first-generation L040 series, 1982–1991) Factory Service Manual – Brake section, the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and aftermarket service manuals (Gregory’s/Haynes) and fitment guides from major brake suppliers, the 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero typically runs front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. That means it uses rear brake shoes. A few market-specific or later high-spec variants moved to rear discs in the early 1990s, but for 1989 models in Australia and New Zealand, rear drums and shoes are the norm.

On this Pajero, the rear brake shoes sit inside the drum and are pushed outward by the wheel cylinder when the brake pedal is applied. That friction slows the axle and also delivers strong park-brake holding. Shoes excel in off-road conditions because drums are well sealed against mud and grit, which suits the Pajero’s 4x4 brief.

For servicing, it’s smart to inspect shoe linings at every routine service or around every 10,000–15,000 km. Replace the shoes if the lining is near the wear limit (typically around 1.5–2.0 mm remaining), if they’re oil- or brake-fluid-soaked, cracked, or heavily glazed. Always replace in axle pairs and consider a hardware kit (springs/retainers) at the same time—tired hardware can cause noise, uneven wear, or poor self-adjustment. If a wheel cylinder shows any weep, replace or rebuild it, brake fluid on shoes ruins friction and can lengthen pedal travel.

Give the drums a proper check too. If they’re heat-spotted, out-of-round, or worn beyond the maximum diameter stamped on the drum, machine or replace them to keep pedal feel and braking balance tidy. After fitting new shoes, adjust the star wheel so the drum just kisses the shoes, then set the handbrake to spec. Some Pajero setups self-adjust during reverse braking, but a manual set-up on install is still key. Bed the shoes in with a few gentle stops from suburban speeds to lay down an even friction layer.

A few tell-tales that it’s time to look at the rear shoes: a long or low pedal, weak handbrake on a hill, pulling to one side, scraping or grinding from the rear, or a brake warning from fluid loss. Keep the system clean—use dedicated brake cleaner rather than blasting old dust (older linings may contain hazardous fibres). Finally, flush the brake fluid every two years to protect cylinders and keep the pedal firm.

• Inspect linings and drums regularly
• Replace shoes in axle pairs with fresh hardware
• Check/renew wheel cylinders and adjust correctly
• Bed-in gently and flush fluid every 2 years

Popular questions

Does a 1989 Pajero have brake shoes or pads at the rear?
Most 1989 Pajeros in AU/NZ have rear drum brakes with brake shoes and front disc brakes with pads. The rear shoes also handle the handbrake function. Only some later or market-specific models moved to rear discs.

How often should the brake shoes be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre number because it depends on load, terrain, and driving style. Inspect them at each service and replace when the lining is near the wear limit, contaminated, cracked, or if braking performance drops or the handbrake struggles to hold.

Why is my handbrake weak after new shoes?
New shoes need correct drum adjustment and cable set-up, plus a proper bed-in. If the star wheel isn’t set, the cable is stretched, or the drums are worn oversize, the handbrake will feel average. Sorting adjustment and drum condition usually brings it right.