Parts for your 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero-Sway bars & links

1989 Mitsubishi Pajero sway-bars-&-links: what they are and how to keep them working

Based on the Mitsubishi Pajero L040/L141 Factory Service Manual (Chassis – Front and Rear Suspension sections) and common trade references such as Gregory’s Pajero 1983–1991 and Haynes Montero/Pajero manuals, the 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero came fitted with a front stabiliser (sway) bar and drop links as standard, with many trims also using a rear stabiliser bar and links. So yes—sway-bars-&-links are relevant gear on this model.

On a 1989 Pajero, the sway-bars-&-links help keep body roll in check, so it feels more planted on-road, especially through roundabouts, when towing, and in crosswinds. The bar ties the left and right suspension together, as the body tries to lean, the bar twists and resists that roll. The links connect the bar to the lower control arms up front and to the axle or trailing arms at the rear. Rubber (or polyurethane) bushes at the D-clamps and link ends keep things quiet and controlled.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the sway-bars-&-links every 10,000–15,000 km or at each service interval—more often if the Pajero sees corrugations, beach work, or muddy tracks. Look for perished or cracked bushes, split link rubbers, rusty link studs, and D-bushes that have gone oval. A quick road test clue is a hollow clunk over speed humps, extra body roll, or vague steering feel.

• Check the bar alignment and D-bush clamp torque with the vehicle at normal ride height.
• If replacing bushes, match the bar diameter and use the correct bush profile.
• For polyurethane bushes, apply the supplied silicone-based grease, avoid petroleum greases on rubber.
• Replace worn links as assemblies, mixing old and new parts can create noises.
• After installation, recheck fastener torque after a few hundred kilometres.

If the Pajero is used off-road, some owners fit quick-disconnect links to gain articulation on the track, then reconnect for sealed roads. Running without a sway bar on-road is unsafe and may be illegal, so keep the sway-bars-&-links in place for daily driving. Coastal use? Rinse the underbody and give attention to the link studs and clamps to ward off corrosion. Following the factory specs from the workshop manual is the go for torque values and procedures, as these can vary slightly by SWB/LWB and suspension type.

Popular questions about 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero sway-bars-&-links

Does a 1989 Pajero have both front and rear sway-bars-&-links?
Most 1989 Pajeros have a front sway bar and links as standard. Many trims also include a rear sway bar. It’s easy to check: look for a U-shaped bar running across the vehicle with short links down to the control arms (front) or axle/trailing arms (rear).

What are the signs the sway-bars-&-links need attention?
Common giveaways are clunks over bumps, increased body roll, vague steering, or visible bush cracking. If the bar has shifted in its D-bushes or the link rubbers are torn, it’s time for fresh bushes or replacement links.

Should they be disconnected for off-road use?
Some off-roaders disconnect to gain wheel travel, but that’s for low-speed trails only. For public roads, reconnect or keep the bars fitted—removing or driving without them on-road can compromise safety and may not meet road rules.