Parts for your 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero-Brake shoes

1991 Mitsubishi Pajero Brake Shoes — What They Do and When to Service Them

Based on technical references — including the Mitsubishi Pajero NG/NH factory workshop manual (covering 1990–1993 builds), the Haynes Pajero/Montero manual for early 90s models, and parts listings from Mitsubishi’s ASA electronic parts catalogue and Australian brake suppliers — the 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero is fitted with brake shoes. Many variants run rear drum brakes using service brake shoes, models with rear disc brakes use a separate drum-in-hat parking brake that also relies on shoes. Either way, brake-shoes are relevant for this vehicle.

For a 1991 Pajero, brake shoes are either the main rear stoppers (on drum-brake axles) or the dedicated handbrake linings inside the rotor hat (on disc-brake axles). In both setups, the shoe’s friction material is pressed against a drum surface to slow the vehicle or hold it steady. They’re simple, sturdy and well-suited to a 4x4 that sees towing, touring and off-road work.

Servicing the brake-shoes on a Pajero is straightforward and makes a big difference to pedal feel and handbrake hold on hills or boat ramps. Regular checks are smart: inspect lining thickness, glazing, hot spots and contamination (oil or grease), and confirm the return springs, adjusters and wheel cylinders (on drum rears) are clean and moving freely. For disc-brake models, inspect the drum-in-hat surface and the shoe linings whenever the rear rotors are off.

Typical signs the shoes want attention include long handbrake travel, poor holding power, scraping or squealing from the rear, a low or spongy pedal (if a wheel cylinder is weeping), or uneven braking after water crossings and muddy tracks. Off-road use can pack drums with grit, so a clean-out and readjustment after harsh trips is good practice.

• Inspection interval: a sensible rule is every 20,000 km or 12 months, and after deep water or mud.
• Adjustment: set the star-wheel so the drum just kisses the shoes, then back off slightly, finish by setting the handbrake lever travel to spec.
• Replacement: do both sides on the axle as a set, bed-in gently with repeated moderate stops, and recheck the adjustment after the first few hundred kilometres.
• While in there: check drums/rotors for out-of-round, renew weak springs and sticky adjusters, and fix any axle seal or wheel cylinder leaks pronto.

Quality linings and tidy adjustment keep a 1991 Pajero stopping straight, holding firm on steep tracks, and feeling predictable on the road.

Popular questions about 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero brake-shoes

Do 1991 Pajeros have rear drums or rear discs?
Both existed. Many Aussie and NZ-spec base or diesel models ran rear drum brakes (service shoes). Higher trims often had rear discs with a separate drum-in-hat parking brake (handbrake shoes). Either configuration uses shoes somewhere at the rear.

How often should brake-shoes be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre number because driving and load vary. Inspect at least every 20,000 km or 12 months and after heavy off-road use. Replace if linings are at the wear limit, contaminated, cracked, glazed, or if the handbrake won’t hold properly even after correct adjustment.

Can the Pajero’s brake-shoes be adjusted?
Yes. Rear drums use a star-wheel adjuster, disc-brake models still have a shoe adjuster for the handbrake inside the rotor hat. Adjust to light shoe-to-drum contact, then fine-tune the handbrake lever travel. If adjustment won’t restore feel or hold, the shoes or hardware likely need replacement.