Parts for your 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero-Wheel hubs

1989 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel hubs — what they do and how to look after them

Technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero/L040 Workshop Manual (1988–1990), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and Aisin free‑wheeling hub service literature confirm that the 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero uses conventional wheel hubs at all four corners. Many AU/NZ‑delivered 1989 models were fitted with manual free‑wheeling (locking) hubs on the front axle, while some trims used fixed drive flanges or automatic hubs. So wheel hubs are absolutely relevant on a 1989 Pajero, and they’re central to both road manners and off‑road reliability.

The wheel hub is the mounting point for the wheel and tyre, houses the front (and rear) wheel bearings, and—on 4x4 front ends—connects the driveshaft to the wheel via either a manual free‑wheeling hub or a fixed flange. On a 1989 Pajero, the bearings are serviceable tapered rollers, not sealed units. That’s great news for long‑term ownership: they can be cleaned, inspected, repacked with quality grease, and adjusted for correct preload rather than binned at the first hint of play.

As part of regular servicing—especially if the vehicle sees beach work, creek crossings, or corrugations—owners should plan to inspect and service the hubs and bearings periodically. A practical rhythm for a touring rig is every 40,000–60,000 km or annually, and sooner after heavy water or mud use. For models with manual Aisin‑type hubs, keep the cam and selector internals clean and very lightly lubricated so the dial turns smoothly and the pawls engage crisply