Parts for your 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero-Exhaust mount

1997 Mitsubishi Pajero exhaust-mount — what it does and how to look after it

Exhaust mounts are absolutely used on the 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical references that cover this model, including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (1997, Group 15 – Exhaust System) and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for the V2/V4/V6/V7 series, show multiple rubber insulators (hangers) and steel brackets supporting the exhaust along the chassis. General workshop texts for this generation Pajero also call for inspecting exhaust hangers during routine servicing. So, yes — the vehicle relies on exhaust mounts to keep the system in place and quiet.

On a ’97 Pajero, the exhaust-mount (rubber hanger/insulator) isolates engine and road vibration, holds the pipes and mufflers at the correct height, and allows a bit of movement so the system can expand and contract with heat. When the mounts perish, stretch or tear, the exhaust can sit crooked, rattle on start-up, knock on bumps, or transmit a droney vibration into the cabin. Left too long, a sagging system can stress joints and flanges, leading to leaks and cracked welds.

Good servicing practice is to cast an eye over the hangers any time the Pajero’s on a hoist, and more deliberately at major services. Simple checks include:

• Look for cracked, shiny (polished) or oil-soaked rubber, and ovalled holes.
• Confirm the exhaust isn’t touching the crossmember, towbar, or body heat shields.
• Check bracket bolts for corrosion and snug torque, replace missing springs or isolators.

Replacement is straightforward: support the exhaust, remove the old rubber insulator, pop the new one on, then lower the system onto the mounts. A dab of silicone spray helps the rubbers slide on cleanly. It’s wise to change mounts in pairs on the same section so the system hangs evenly. If the old mount failed from oil contamination or rusted hardware, address the root cause as well.

For outback or beach work where salt and mud are common, expect faster ageing. Many owners choose heavy-duty rubber or polyurethane hangers for longevity, provided the stiffness doesn’t transmit extra noise. As a rule of thumb, inspect every 10,000–15,000 km and replace at the first sign of cracking, elongation, or if there’s a new rattle that follows bumps or throttle changes.

• How often should exhaust mounts be replaced on a 1997 Pajero?
  There’s no strict kilometre interval in the factory literature, but checking at each service and replacing at the first sign of cracking, stretching, or sagging is sound practice. In harsher Aussie and Kiwi conditions (corrugations, beach work), expect to replace them sooner.
• What symptoms point to a bad exhaust mount on this model?
  Common tells include a metal-on-metal rattle at idle or on start-up, clunks over speed humps, the tailpipe sitting off-centre or too low, more cabin vibration, or whiffs of exhaust if joints are stressed and start leaking.
• Can universal hangers be used, or should they be model-specific?
  Universal hangers can work in a pinch if the length and hole spacing match, but model-specific mounts usually hang the system at the correct height and angle. For best fit and NVH, go with Pajero-compatible parts.