Parts for your 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero-Wheel bearings

1991 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel bearings

Wheel bearings are absolutely relevant to the 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical references including the Mitsubishi factory workshop manual for the NH/NJ series, Gregory’s and Haynes Pajero/Montero repair manuals (covering 1980s–90s models), and Mitsubishi’s ASA electronic parts catalogue all specify serviceable tapered roller bearings in the front hubs and pressed bearings on the rear axle. That means this model does use wheel bearings, and they’re a key part of safe, smooth running—on road and off the beaten track.

On a 1991 Pajero, the front hubs use adjustable, tapered roller bearings that support the wheel and hub while allowing free rotation with minimal friction. They carry vehicle weight, cornering loads and the extra punishment from corrugations, sand, and rocky tracks. The rear axle uses pressed bearings on the axle shafts which also keep the diff oil where it belongs via matching oil seals. If bearings wear out, the result can be wheel wobble, uneven tyre wear, ABS sensor issues on some trims, heat build-up, and in the worst case, hub or axle damage.

Routine servicing matters. For the front, bearings should be cleaned, inspected, and repacked with a quality NLGI 2 wheel bearing grease at regular intervals—many tech references and local workshops suggest around 40,000 km, or sooner if the Pajero’s been through deep water or heavy dust. After fresh grease, set preload correctly: seat the bearing (often by torquing the inner nut, then backing off and retightening lightly), confirm end float with a dial indicator if available, fit the lock washer, and secure the outer nut. Always follow the exact spec from the factory manual for the particular axle and hub—over-tightening cooks bearings, under-tightening lets the hub wander.

Rear bearings are typically replaced as an assembly with a press and new seals. If there’s diff oil at the brake backing plate or a low growl that rises with speed, it’s time to inspect. Good practice is to replace in pairs left/right, use new retainer collars where specified, and torque everything to spec.

• Common signs: humming or growling that changes with speed, play felt at 12/6 o’clock, hot hub after a drive, grease leakage, or metallic flakes in old grease.
• Pro tips: avoid water crossings when bearings are hot, recheck front bearing preload after the first few hundred kilometres, always use new seals.

FAQs

How can someone tell if a 1991 Pajero wheel bearing is failing?
They’ll usually hear a low drone that gets louder with speed or when loading one side in a turn. Jack the wheel, hold it at 12 and 6 o’clock and feel for play. Any roughness while spinning by hand or heat at the hub after a drive is another giveaway.

Do the front bearings need repacking, and how often?
Yes—front bearings are serviceable. A sensible interval is about every 40,000 km, or sooner after water crossings, beach work, or long dusty trips. Clean, inspect for pitting or blueing, repack with quality wheel bearing grease, and reset preload to the workshop manual spec.

Is it safe to keep driving with a noisy wheel bearing?
Not recommended. A noisy bearing can overheat and damage the hub or stub axle, and in extreme cases lead to wheel or brake issues. It’s cheaper and safer to sort it early, and replace seals and any marked races while you’re there.