Parts for your 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero-Wheel studs nuts

1991 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel studs and nuts: what they do and how to look after them

Based on technical references — including the Mitsubishi Pajero factory service manual for the V20 series (1991-on) and Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS parts catalogues — the 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero uses press-in wheel studs with matching tapered wheel nuts on both front and rear hubs. These sources specify six wheel studs per hub (6-stud/6x139.7 PCD) with metric threads (commonly M12 x 1.5), confirming that wheel studs and nuts are absolutely relevant to this model.

On a ’91 Pajero, the studs are the fixed threaded pins pressed into the hub or brake drum/rotor hat. The wheel slides over the studs, and the nuts clamp the wheel against the hub face. It’s a simple, strong setup that suits tough touring, off-road use, and frequent wheel changes — exactly the sort of life many Pajeros lead across Australia and New Zealand.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to give the wheel studs and nuts a quick once-over. Look for damaged or flattened threads, stretched studs (threads pulling long), rust pitting, or nuts with cracked seats. Any of these are a sign to replace. If a stud spins in the hub or the threads feel gritty or notchy, bin it — don’t try to “chase” severely damaged threads on critical wheel hardware.

When refitting wheels, clean the hub face and the back of the wheel so it sits flush. Lightly brush dirt from stud threads and the nut seats, but don’t lubricate the threads unless a specific service bulletin says otherwise — most Mitsubishi specs assume clean, dry threads. Use a star pattern and a torque wrench to tighten the nuts evenly to the specification in the Pajero service manual for the exact variant. Recheck torque after the first short drive, especially after fitting new wheels or nuts.

If a stud needs replacing, press or drive the damaged stud out from the rear of the hub and draw the new stud in squarely using a spacer and an old wheel nut, or a press. Always match the thread size, knurl diameter, length, and seat style. Pajeros typically use a 60-degree tapered (cone) seat nut — don’t mix mag-seat or spherical nuts with tapered wheels. For dusty, coastal, or off-road duty, consider quality studs and nuts with proper corrosion protection and replace any that look suspect. It’s cheap insurance for the family wagon or the weekend trip down the beach.

• Key tips: clean, dry threads, correct taper-seat nuts, torque in a star pattern, recheck after a short drive, replace at the first sign of damage.

What size are the 1991 Pajero wheel studs and nuts?
Most 1991 Pajeros use six studs on a 6x139.7 PCD with M12 x 1.5 threads and 60-degree tapered-seat nuts. Variations can exist by trim or market, so confirm against the vehicle information plate or a trusted parts catalogue before ordering.

What torque should the wheel nuts be tightened to?
Use a torque wrench and follow the specification in the Mitsubishi service manual for the exact variant. As a general guide many Pajero models sit around the 100–120 Nm range, but always check and use the published figure for the specific vehicle to avoid over- or under-tightening.

How can someone tell if a Pajero wheel stud or nut needs replacing?
Watch for chewed or flattened threads, visible stretching, cracks around the nut seat, or a stud that spins in the hub. If a nut won’t run on by hand for several turns, or torque won’t stabilise, replace the suspect parts rather than forcing them — that’s the safe, cost-effective move.