Parts for your 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero-Drive belt pulley

1997 Mitsubishi Pajero drive-belt pulley — fitment, purpose and servicing

Yes — the 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero does use drive-belt pulleys across its common engines (3.0L 6G72 V6, 3.5L 6G74 V6, and 2.8L 4M40 diesel). This is confirmed by the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (1997) in the Engine group sections covering drive belts, crankshaft pulley/harmonic balancer, idlers and tensioners, and by major aftermarket catalogues (Gates and Dayco) that list harmonic balancers and accessory idler/tensioner pulleys for 1997 Pajero variants. Mitsubishi technical guidance and workshop literature also note inspection of bonded-rubber crank pulleys on the V6s due to possible delamination over age and kilometres.

On a 1997 Pajero, the drive-belt pulley system transfers the crankshaft’s rotation to vital accessories. The crank pulley (harmonic balancer) is the big one down low, it drives the alternator and power steering pump, and commonly the A/C compressor. Idler and tensioner pulleys guide the belt and keep correct tension so the lot runs smoothly without slip. Whether it’s the multi-V setup on the diesel or a wider multi-rib belt on some petrols, the goal’s the same: quiet, efficient accessory drive that charges the battery and keeps steering assist and air-con happy.

Because these pulleys spin every time the engine runs, they’re wear items. A sensible servicing approach on a Pajero that’s nudging a few decades is:

• Inspect at each service (around 10,000–15,000 km): look for belt dust, shiny or cupped pulley faces, misalignment, or wobble at idle.
• Spin-test idler/tensioner pulleys by hand (engine off): any roughness, notchiness or play means replace.
• Listen for noise: chirps on start-up point to misalignment or glazing, a steady rumble usually means a failing pulley bearing, squeal under load can be slip or a weak tensioner.
• Check the crank pulley’s rubber damper (V6s especially): cracking, offset rings, or visible wobble under the bonnet indicate the balancer is on the way out — swap it before it shreds belts.
• Replace belts and suspect pulleys as a set when practical, new belts on tired pulleys don’t stay quiet for long.
• Keep oil and coolant off the belts and pulleys, contamination fast-tracks noise and wear.

Quality matters here. Use reputable OEM-equivalent pulleys and follow factory torque and alignment procedures during fitment. After install, recheck belt tracking and tension with the engine running, and watch for any wander across the pulley faces. Sorted properly, the Pajero’s accessory drive should be whisper-quiet, charge solidly, and steer with ease for heaps of kilometres.

Popular questions

How often should the drive-belt pulleys be replaced on a 1997 Pajero?
There isn’t a fixed kilometre interval for pulleys like there is for belts. Most workshops inspect pulleys at every service and replace on condition — any bearing roughness, play, noise, or visible misalignment is a green light for new parts. That said, many owners find idlers/tensioners are due somewhere between 120,000 and 200,000 km, especially on vehicles that see dusty tracks or heavy towing.

Belts themselves are typically replaced every 60,000–100,000 km depending on wear and glazing. Doing belts and any suspect pulleys together saves a second trip under the bonnet.

What are the signs of a failing crankshaft pulley (harmonic balancer) on the V6 Pajero?
Tell-tales include a visible wobble at idle, rubber damper cracking or separation between the inner and outer rings, a sudden loss of charging with shredded belt, or a rhythmic chirp that won’t adjust out. If the bonded rubber has started to let go, replacement is the only proper fix — continued driving risks throwing belts and losing power steering and charging.

Is it safe to drive if an idler or tensioner pulley is noisy?
Short answer: not really. A rumbling or squealing pulley bearing can seize without much warning, which can burn or throw the belt. On a Pajero that means losing alternator output and power steering assist — not ideal around town and downright sketchy off-road. If it’s noisy, plan a replacement pronto and check the belt at the same time.