Parts for your 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero-Wheel bearings

1990 Mitsubishi Pajero Wheel Bearings — What They Do and When to Service Them

Wheel bearings are absolutely relevant and fitted to the 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical sources that document this include the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (late 1980s–early 1990s) in the Front Axle and Hub sections, the Haynes Repair Manual for Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero (covering 1983–1996), and Mitsubishi’s ASA electronic parts catalogue. These sources describe serviceable tapered-roller bearings in the front hubs with adjustable preload, and dedicated wheel/axle bearings at the rear.

On this era Pajero, wheel bearings carry the vehicle’s weight, let the wheels spin smoothly, and keep everything aligned while copping off-road abuse. The front end uses tapered-roller bearings housed in the hub, they’re designed to be cleaned, inspected, re-greased and adjusted. The rear axle also relies on robust bearings that support the axle shaft and wheel assembly under load.

For owners who tour, tow or hit corrugations, keeping on top of wheel bearings is a smart move. A typical service approach for the front hubs is to strip and clean the bearings, inspect the rollers and races for pitting or heat marks, pack with a quality high-temp NLGI #2 wheel bearing grease, fit a fresh hub seal, and set the preload per the workshop manual (using the correct locknut procedure). Over-tightening can cook a bearing, too loose and you’ll get play and brake pulsation. Rear bearings generally last a long time but should be checked for noise and leaks, replacement often requires a press and is best left to a pro if you’re not set up.

• Tell-tale signs it’s time: a growl or rumble that rises with speed, a droning that changes when gently steering left/right, heat at the hub after a drive, or play when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock.
• Good practice: service front bearings every 40,000–60,000 km, sooner if there’s water crossings, beach work or heavy towing. Always replace grease seals and cotter pins, and check wheel stud torque after road testing.
• When replacing, many techs do both sides on the same axle so wear stays even. Keep the hub faces clean, use quality bearings and grease, and re-check preload after the first shakedown run.

Looked after properly, the Pajero’s wheel bearings handle Aussie and Kiwi conditions with ease and keep the big wagon rolling true on-road and off.

Popular questions about 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel bearings

How often should the front wheel bearings be serviced?
For typical mixed driving, checking and re-greasing every 40,000–60,000 km is a solid interval. If the vehicle sees water crossings, sand, mud, or long corrugated tracks, shorten that interval. Always replace the hub seal when re-packing, and adjust preload to spec rather than “by feel”.

What noises point to a failing wheel bearing?
A low growl, rumble or droning that increases with road speed is the classic sign. If the sound changes when gently weaving the vehicle (loading one side then the other), that’s another clue. Roughness when spinning the wheel by hand with the caliper off, or heat at the hub after a drive, are also red flags.

Can a handy DIYer replace Pajero front wheel bearings at home?
Yes, the front tapered-roller bearings are serviceable with basic tools, a torque wrench, a way to set preload correctly, and proper grease and seals. Rear bearings can require a press and axle removal depending on variant, so many owners leave rear replacement to a workshop.