Parts for your 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero-Brake pad wear indicator

1990 Mitsubishi Pajero brake pad wear indicator — what’s actually fitted

Based on the Mitsubishi Factory Service Manual (Group 35A – Brakes, 1989–1991), the Gregory’s Pajero 1983–1993 workshop manual, and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for the L040 series, the 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero uses a mechanical brake pad wear indicator tab (squealer) integrated into the front disc brake pads. There’s no separate electrical pad-wear sensor or dash warning lamp on this model. So, a brake pad wear indicator is relevant to the vehicle, but it’s built into the pad set rather than being a standalone sensor or loom.

For the 1990 Pajero, the brake pad wear indicator is a simple, clever bit of metal attached to the brake pad that starts to squeal when the friction material gets low. That high-pitched chirp under light braking is the cue that the pads are nearly done. It’s designed to give the driver a heads-up before the pad wears down to the backing plate, which helps protect rotors and keep stopping performance tidy on-road and off the beaten track.

Because it’s mechanical, there’s nothing to reset or plug in. When servicing, the indicator gets “replaced” automatically with the new pad set. During a pad change, the tech should check that the indicator tab is present, not bent, and installed in the correct orientation for each side. If fitting aftermarket pads, it’s worth choosing a set that includes the squealer, some heavy-duty or motorsport pads skip the tab, which means relying entirely on regular inspections.

On many 1990 Pajeros the front axle runs discs with the squealer tab, while the rear may be drums or solid discs without any pad/shoe wear indicator. That makes a visual check at service intervals important, particularly if the vehicle tows, carries loads, or does a lot of low-range work. As pads wear, fluid level in the master cylinder can drop slightly, topping up is fine, but it’s smarter to address pad wear first so the fluid level reflects the new pad thickness.

• Replace pads when the indicator squeals consistently or friction material is about 2–3 mm.
• Clean and lube slide pins, inspect shims and anti-rattle clips, and ensure even pad contact.
• If any indicator tab is missing or damaged, replace the pad set rather than trying to repair the tab.

No dash light, no extra wiring, just a straightforward audible warning that helps keep a classic Pajero braking confidently across Aussie and Kiwi roads and trails.

Popular questions about 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero brake pad wear indicators

Does a 1990 Pajero have a brake pad warning light?
No. It uses a mechanical squealer tab on the front pads instead of an electrical wear sensor and dash lamp. When the pads get low, the tab makes a sharp squeal during light braking to alert the driver.

Where is the wear indicator on a 1990 Pajero?
It’s a small metal tab attached to one of the front brake pads (often the inner pad). It must be installed on the correct side and oriented so it contacts the rotor as the pad wears down, creating the audible warning.

What sound means it’s time to change the pads?
A consistent, high-pitched squeal under light-to-moderate braking is the wear indicator doing its job. If the noise becomes a harsh grinding, the pad may be beyond the indicator stage and immediate inspection is needed to protect the rotors.