Parts for your 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero-Brake wheel cylinders

1991 Mitsubishi Pajero Brake Wheel Cylinders

Based on factory documentation and parts listings, brake wheel cylinders are relevant to many 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero variants. The Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (Brake section, early 1990s editions) specifies rear drum brakes with hydraulic wheel cylinders on numerous trims of the 1991 model year, particularly short-wheelbase and work-focused models. The Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue likewise lists rear wheel cylinders for 1991 Pajero models equipped with drum rear brakes. However, some higher-spec variants of the same year feature rear disc brakes, which do not use wheel cylinders (they use calipers instead). If the vehicle has rear drums, it has wheel cylinders, if it has rear discs, it doesn’t.

On Pajeros fitted with rear drums, wheel cylinders do the grunt work of turning brake fluid pressure into the outward push that forces the shoes against the drum. It’s simple, robust kit—ideal for towing and off-road use where drums stay out of the muck a bit better. Over time, though, rubber seals can harden, pistons can corrode, and tiny leaks can creep in, knocking pedal feel and braking performance around.

For regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect both rear wheel cylinders whenever the drums are off—often around pad/shoe checks or every 20,000–30,000 km, or sooner if the Pajero spends its life on corrugations or in river crossings. Look for dampness or weeping under the dust boots, uneven shoe wear, or a soft, slowly sinking pedal. Any sign of fluid on the backing plate is a red flag. If one side is leaking or seized, it’s common-sense to replace both sides together to keep brake balance tidy.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent home mechanic: support the axle safely, remove the drum and shoes, cap or clamp the flex hose as required, then swap the cylinder and copper washers, torque the line fitting to spec, refit shoes and springs, and bleed the rear circuit. Use the brake fluid grade on the master cylinder cap (typically DOT 3 or DOT 4) and avoid mixing incompatible fluids. If the bores are clean and within spec, quality seal kits can revive a tired cylinder, but complete new units are often inexpensive and save hassle.

A few tips:

• Always bleed thoroughly after any hydraulic work, start with the wheel farthest from the master.
• Don’t skimp on cleaning hardware and lubricating shoe contact points (with proper brake grease).
• If the Pajero has rear discs, skip wheel cylinders altogether—focus on caliper slide pins and pads instead.

With fresh, leak-free wheel cylinders and good shoes, a 1991 Pajero pulls up straight and true—just what’s wanted on-road, towing, or out bush.

Popular questions about 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero brake wheel cylinders

Do all 1991 Pajeros have brake wheel cylinders?
Not all. Many 1991 Pajeros run rear drum brakes with wheel cylinders, while some higher-trim models have rear discs with calipers. A quick glance behind the rear wheel will tell the story: a drum means wheel cylinders, a visible rotor and caliper means no wheel cylinders.

How can someone tell if a wheel cylinder is failing?
Common giveaways are a soft or sinking pedal, fluid weeping under the dust boots, brake fluid on the backing plate, or uneven rear shoe wear. If fluid is present, the cylinder should be repaired or replaced and the system bled. It’s wise to check both sides at the same time.

Should both rear wheel cylinders be replaced together?
It’s recommended. Replacing them as a pair helps keep braking force even across the axle and avoids chasing mismatched performance side to side. If one has failed due to age or corrosion, the other is usually not far behind.