Parts for your 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero-Control arms

1991 Mitsubishi Pajero Control Arms — What They Do and When to Replace

Control arms are very much used on the 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero. According to the Mitsubishi Pajero V20 Series Service Manual (1991, Group 33 – Front Suspension), the front end runs a double‑wishbone layout with torsion bars, meaning there’s an upper and a lower control arm on each side with ball joints and bushes. The rear, depending on spec, is a coil‑sprung live axle with multi‑link arms and a lateral (Panhard) rod (refer Mitsubishi service literature Group 34 – Rear Suspension). These assemblies and their bushes/ball joints are also listed in the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue and covered in workshop references like the Haynes/Gregory’s Montero/Pajero 1983–1999 manual.

On a 1991 Pajero, the control arms locate the wheels under load, keep camber and caster in check, and let the suspension pivot smoothly through the ball joints. The bushes soak up vibration so the cabin isn’t copping every corrugation on a country road or fire trail. Up front, the arms work with the torsion bars, at the rear, the trailing and lateral arms manage axle location so it tracks straight even with a bit of gear in the back.

If the arms or their wear items are tired, the vehicle can feel vague, clunk over bumps, or chew out tyres. Steering wander, braking shimmy, and uneven ride height after a big hit can also point to arm or bush issues.

• Common signs: clunks on take‑off/over potholes, inside/outside tyre wear, braking pull, vague on‑centre feel, perished or cracked bushes, torn ball joint boots.
• Inspection tip: check every 10,000–15,000 km, especially if it sees gravel, towing, or beach work.

When replacing, it pays to do bushes and ball joints together on the affected side, and often in pairs left/right to keep handling balanced. Always torque pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid pre‑loading new bushes. Front lower‑arm cam bolts can seize to the inner sleeves, soaking, heat, or cutting may be needed, so allow time and have new eccentric bolts and cams on hand. After any control‑arm or bush work, get a proper wheel alignment — the front double‑wishbone Pajero is sensitive to caster and camber, and torsion‑bar height adjustments will nudge alignment as well.

For touring or light off‑road, quality OEM‑equivalent arms and rubber bushes ride well. If the Pajero is lifted, consider arms or bush kits that help with caster correction and durability. Always follow the workshop manual torque specs and procedures.

Popular questions about 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero control arms

Does a 1991 Pajero have upper and lower control arms up front?
Yes. The 1991 V20-series Pajero uses a double‑wishbone front suspension with torsion bars, which includes an upper and a lower control arm on each side with ball joints and bushes. That layout is documented in Mitsubishi’s Group 33 front suspension manual content and in common workshop manuals.

How long do control‑arm bushes last on a 1991 Pajero?
On sealed roads they can last well over 100,000 km, but frequent off‑road use, corrugations, and oil exposure can shorten that significantly. Regular inspections for cracking, splitting, or excessive movement are the best guide for replacement timing.

Do you need an alignment after replacing Pajero control arms?
Absolutely. Any change to front control arms, bushes, or ball joints will affect camber and caster on the Pajero. Book a full alignment once the vehicle is back at normal ride height.