Parts for your 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero-Wheel hubs

1992 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel hubs — what they do and how to look after them

Wheel hubs are absolutely used on the 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero. The Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (1991–1996), the Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS parts catalogue (front axle and hub groups), and well-known Gregory’s and Haynes repair manuals all document the Pajero’s serviceable front wheel hubs with tapered roller bearings. Many 1992 models with Super Select 4WD use a vacuum-operated freewheel clutch in the front axle rather than manual locking hubs, but the wheel hub assemblies themselves are still very much there and serviceable.

On a 1992 Pajero, the wheel hub is the bit that ties the wheel, brake disc, and bearings to the stub axle, letting the wheel spin smoothly while carrying the vehicle’s weight. Up front, Mitsubishi uses tapered roller bearings inside a serviceable hub, which is great for bush mechanics and workshop servicing alike. Depending on spec, there’s either a fixed drive flange or a manual locking hub cap at the nose, while Super Select models handle front-axle disconnect via a vacuum freewheel clutch in the diff housing.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to check for play at 12 and 6 o’clock, listen for a growl or rumble that rises with road speed, and look for weeping grease or heat discolouration near the hub. If the Pajero does off-road work, tows, or sees creek crossings, schedule bearing clean-and-pack more often. Use quality high-temp wheel bearing grease, fresh hub seals, and always follow the factory adjustment procedure and torque specs from the Mitsubishi workshop manual.

When replacing or overhauling, inspect the races for pitting, the spindle for scoring, and the drive flange or locking hub splines for wear. Replace lock washers and seals as a matter of course, they’re cheap insurance against do-overs. If equipped with manual locking hubs, clean and lightly lube the mechanism so it clicks positively, if the vehicle uses Super Select with a vacuum freewheel clutch, check the vacuum lines and actuator for leaks to prevent partial engagement.

• Telltale signs it’s time: humming or grumbling that changes in corners, ABS flicker (if fitted), grease leaking onto the inside of the wheel, or a warm-to-touch hub after a short run.
• After beach work, rinse hubs and brakes with fresh water and recheck bearing preload at the next service.

Popular questions about 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel hubs

Do all 1992 Pajeros have manual locking hubs?
Not necessarily. Many Aussie and NZ 1992 models with Super Select 4WD don’t use manual locking hubs, they have a fixed drive flange and a vacuum-operated freewheel clutch in the front axle. Some base or earlier-style trims may have manual locking hubs. A quick look at the front hub face will tell the story: a plain cap usually means no manual locks, while a dial labelled “LOCK–FREE” gives it away.

How often should front wheel bearings be serviced?
For mixed on-road use, checking every 20,000–30,000 km is a good habit. If the Pajero regularly tows, drives on corrugations, or hits water crossings, shorten the interval. Service involves cleaning the bearings, packing with quality grease, replacing seals, and setting preload exactly as per the factory procedure.

What noises point to a worn hub or bearing?
A low rumble or growl that gets louder with speed, a cyclical drone that changes when turning, or a gritty feel when spinning the wheel by hand with the caliper off all point to hub bearing wear. Any detectable play at the wheel rim is a red flag. Don’t ignore heat around the hub after a short drive—overheating can damage the spindle and brakes.