Parts for your 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero-Strut mounts

1989 Mitsubishi Pajero strut-mounts — are they even a thing?

For the 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero, strut-mounts aren’t relevant because the vehicle doesn’t use MacPherson struts at either end. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero Factory Service Manual for the first generation (L040/L141 series), the Gregory’s/Haynes workshop manuals covering 1983–1991 models, and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue all show the front suspension as independent double wishbone with torsion bars and separate telescopic shock absorbers. The rear is a live axle with leaf springs or coils (model dependent), again with separate shocks. No MacPherson struts means no strut-mounts on this model.

Why did Mitsubishi go this route? The Pajero’s design priorities were durability, ground clearance, and off-road articulation. A double wishbone front end with torsion bars carries the load through upper and lower control arms, while a separate shock simply damps the motion. Because the shock isn’t a structural member and doesn’t carry steering loads, there’s no need for a bearing-style strut top mount. Instead, the shock bolts in with simple rubber bushes and washers at the top and bottom.

Owners who’ve been told they “need new strut-mounts” on a 1989 Pajero are usually dealing with one of these wear points instead:

• Front shock absorber bushes (top and bottom) and mounting hardware
• Upper and lower control arm bushes, and upper/lower ball joints
• Torsion bar anchors/adjusters and ride-height setup
• Rear shock bushes, spring seats, U-bolts, and (where fitted) rear control arm bushes

For servicing, it’s worth checking the shock bushes for cracking or perishing, listening for clunks over corrugations, and inspecting control arm bushes and ball joints for play. If the front end feels floaty, bottoms out, or bounces after bumps, the shocks themselves may be tired. Replacing shock bushes is straightforward and inexpensive, and it often cures the “top mount” knock people mistake for a failed strut-mount. After front-end work, a wheel alignment is a smart move, as camber and caster are set via the control arms. If a workshop quotes for strut-mounts on this model, it’s fair to ask them to clarify—on a ’89 Pajero they’ll mean shock top bushes or related hardware, not a true strut top.

Popular questions about 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero strut-mounts

Does a 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero have strut-mounts?
No. It uses double wishbones with torsion bars up front and a live rear axle with separate shocks. There are no MacPherson struts, so there are no strut-mounts—just shock absorber bushes and brackets.

What should be checked if there’s a clunk that sounds like a bad strut top?
Inspect the front shock top and bottom bushes, upper and lower ball joints, and control arm bushes. Also check torsion bar anchors and the rear shock bushes. These are the usual culprits on this model.

Can aftermarket “strut tops” be fitted to fix noise on a ’89 Pajero?
No, because the vehicle doesn’t use struts. The correct fix is replacing worn shock bushes or the shocks themselves, and addressing any tired control arm bushes or ball joints.