Parts for your 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero-Sway bars & links

1990 Mitsubishi Pajero sway-bars-&-links

Yes, the 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero is fitted with sway bars (stabiliser bars) and links. This is confirmed by technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual for the first-generation L040/L141 series (details front stabiliser bar, D-bushes and drop links, with inspection and torque procedures), the Mitsubishi ASA/EPC parts catalogue (lists front stabiliser bar assemblies, link kits and bushings for late-1980s to 1991 Pajero variants), and common workshop manuals used in AU/NZ such as Gregory’s Pajero 1983–1991 and the Haynes Montero/Raider 1983–1993, both of which include stabiliser bar and link service information. Rear sway bars were fitted on many coil-sprung variants, some leaf-sprung models may be front-only.

On a 1990 Pajero, the sway-bars-&-links help keep the 4x4 flatter through corners, steady under braking, and more predictable when towing or with a roof load. The bar twists to resist body roll, the links connect it to the control arms or axle. It’s a tough truck, but worn D-bushes and link bushes can sneak in clunks over speed humps, vague steering, or extra body sway on roundabouts.

For routine servicing, it’s worth a look every 10,000–15,000 km, especially if it sees corrugations or beach work. Check the chassis-mounted D-bushes for cracks, flattening, or perishing, inspect link bushes and ball-stud style links for play, torn boots, or rust. Any oily contamination from a leaky shock will accelerate rubber deterioration. If one side is gone, replace in pairs to keep response even left-to-right.

When fitting new bushes, lightly lubricate polyurethane types as directed by the manufacturer, most OEM rubber bushes go in dry. Always tighten sway bar and link fasteners with the vehicle on its wheels at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bar. Aftermarket polyurethane bushes can sharpen steering feel and last longer in Aussie and Kiwi conditions, just expect a touch more road feel. If the Pajero is lifted, check bar angle and link length—extended links may be needed to avoid binding.

Off-roaders sometimes disconnect the bar for extra articulation, but it must be reconnected for sealed-road driving. Removing or disabling sway bars can affect stability and may not meet rego or WOF expectations. No wheel alignment is usually required after sway bar work, but a short road test and a re-torque after a few hundred kilometres is good practice.

• Typical symptoms: clunks over bumps, excessive body roll, steering that feels a bit “floaty.”
• Good intervals: inspect every service, expect bush or link replacement somewhere around 80,000–120,000 km depending on use.

Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (1982–1991 L040/L141 series), Mitsubishi ASA/EPC (Pajero stabiliser bar and link listings), Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual Pajero 1983–1991, Haynes Montero/Dodge Raider 1983–1993.

Do all 1990 Mitsubishi Pajeros have front and rear sway bars?

All 1990 Pajeros have a front sway bar. A rear sway bar depends on the variant—many coil-sprung models got a rear bar, while some leaf-sprung versions were front-only. A quick glance under the rear, looking for a transverse bar tied to the chassis and axle/trailing arms, will confirm what’s fitted.

What are the common signs the sway bar links or bushes need replacing?

Tell-tales include clunks over speed humps, extra body roll on roundabouts, steering that feels loose, or a knock when one wheel hits a bump. Visual signs are cracked/perished bushes, torn link boots, or rusty, seized link studs.

Will replacing sway bar bushes or links affect my wheel alignment?

No, sway bar and link work doesn’t change alignment settings. It’s still smart to road test and recheck fastener torque after a few hundred kilometres, especially if other suspension work was done at the same time.