Parts for your 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero-Drive belt tensioner

1989 Mitsubishi Pajero drive-belt-tensioner — is it actually used?

For a 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero, a modern spring-loaded accessory drive-belt tensioner is not used. First-generation Pajero models of this era run multiple V-belts (alternator, power steering, and air conditioning) that are tensioned manually by shifting the accessory on its slotted mounts or by adjusting an idler for the A/C. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (1983–1991, L040 series), Haynes Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero 1983–1997, and Gregory’s Pajero 1983–1996 all specify belt tensioning by adjustment of the alternator, power steering pump, and an A/C idler bolt, with no spring-loaded serpentine-belt tensioner in the accessory drive.

Why no drive-belt tensioner? The Pajero of this vintage uses separate V-belts rather than a single serpentine belt. Each belt’s tension is set during servicing and rechecked periodically. The design keeps things simple and robust, which suited outback and rural NZ use where basic spanners under the bonnet solve most issues. It’s worth noting this is unrelated to the timing belt tensioner (where fitted on engines like the 6G72 V6 or 4D56 diesel), that’s a different system entirely.

Typical 1989 Pajero setups include:

• 2.6L petrol (4G54): alternator and power steering belts tensioned by moving the units, A/C belt via adjustable idler.
• 3.0L V6 (6G72): separate V-belts, alternator/PS pump adjustment and A/C idler adjuster.
• 2.5L diesel (4D56): similar manual adjustments for alternator/PS, plus A/C idler.

What to do at service time? Instead of replacing a “drive-belt tensioner”, the correct approach is to inspect belt condition and adjust tension. Underhood labels or the service manual list deflection specs, broadly, a sound rule is a few millimetres of deflection at mid-span with moderate finger pressure. If there’s squeal on start-up, flickering charge light, heavy steering, or the A/C struggles, the belts may be loose or glazed.

Servicing tips (AU/NZ workshop style):

• Check belt condition every 10,000–15,000 km, replace cracked, frayed, or oil-soaked belts.
• Adjust using the alternator/PS pivot and lock bolts, use the A/C idler’s jack bolt for the A/C belt.
• After adjustment, recheck tension after a short drive as new belts can bed in and relax.
• Spin idler pulleys by hand, if rough or noisy, replace the pulley/bearing.

Sources: Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (1983–1991, L040), Haynes Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero 1983–1997, Gregory’s Pajero 1983–1996. These manuals detail belt inspection and manual adjustment procedures and do not list a spring-loaded accessory tensioner for 1989 models.

• Does a 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero have a drive-belt tensioner?
  No. It uses multiple V-belts tightened by adjusting the alternator, power steering pump, and an A/C idler. There’s no spring-loaded serpentine-belt tensioner in the accessory drive for this model year.
• How are the drive belts tensioned on a 1989 Pajero?
  Tension is set by loosening the accessory pivot and lock bolts, moving the alternator or power steering pump to achieve the correct belt deflection, and tightening everything back up. The A/C belt uses an adjustable idler with a jack screw.
• What are signs the belts need attention?
  Cold-start squeal, a battery light that flickers, heavy steering at low speeds, or poor A/C performance point to loose or worn belts. Inspect for cracks and glazing, adjust tension, and replace belts if damaged.