Parts for your 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero-Brake shoes

1992 Mitsubishi Pajero brake shoes

Based on the Mitsubishi Pajero V20-series (1991–1999) factory workshop manual, the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and common service guides (e.g., Haynes and Gregory’s), the 1992 Pajero uses brake shoes. Many trims run rear drum brakes that rely on brake shoes for service braking, while Pajeros with rear disc brakes still use small internal “drum-in-hat” parking brake shoes inside the rear rotor. Either way, brake shoes are very much relevant on a 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero.

On a ’92 Pajero, brake shoes provide dependable rear braking (on drum-equipped models) and secure parking brake hold (on disc-equipped models with drum-in-hat). Shoes press outwards against a drum to create friction, offering strong, self-energising stopping power that’s well suited to towing, touring, and off-road work.

For servicing, it’s smart to inspect the rear shoes at each scheduled service or every 10,000–15,000 km, especially if the vehicle sees beach work, mud, or towing. Look for even lining thickness, glazing, cracking, contamination from brake fluid or diff oil, and any heat spots in the drum. Replace in axle pairs and renew return springs and hold-down hardware if they’re tired—old hardware can cause drag or noise. If wheel cylinders show any weeping, replace or rebuild and bleed the system. After installation, adjust the star wheel so the drum just kisses the shoes, then set the handbrake cable per the workshop spec. Bed the shoes in with a series of gentle stops to stabilise friction.

Common signs it’s time for new brake shoes include:

• Handbrake needing excessive lever travel or struggling to hold on a hill
• Grinding, scraping, or a shudder from the rear under braking
• Pulling to one side, or hot/brassy smell after short drives
• Drum too hot to touch or visible fluid weep at the backing plate

A few handy tips for Aussie and Kiwi conditions: use brake cleaner only (no compressed-air dust clouds), keep grease off linings, free up and lightly lube shoe contact points on the backing plate, and check the rear axle seals so fresh shoes don’t get soaked. For Pajeros with rear discs, don’t forget the parking-brake shoes live inside the rotor hat—inspect and adjust them during rotor changes so the handbrake stays crisp. When in doubt, follow the factory manual specs for clearances and adjustments.

Does a 1992 Pajero have rear drums or discs?

Both were built. Many 1992 Pajeros use rear drum brakes with full-size service brake shoes. Others run rear disc brakes, but still have small parking brake shoes inside the rear rotor (drum-in-hat). A quick visual behind the rear wheel or a check against the VIN/build plate will confirm which you’ve got.

How often should brake shoes be replaced?

There’s no fixed kilometre number because usage varies. Inspect at each service. Replace when linings are below the workshop manual minimum, contaminated, cracked, or badly glazed. With gentle highway driving they can last a long time, heavy towing, off-road work, or steep city commutes will shorten their life.

How is the Pajero handbrake adjusted after new shoes?

Adjust the star wheel at the drum (or through the backing plate) until there’s light, even drag, then fine-tune the handbrake cable so the lever has the correct number of clicks and holds firmly on an incline. Always confirm the exact adjustment procedure and specs in the factory manual.