Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero-Brake shoes

1998 Mitsubishi Pajero brake-shoes — what they do and when to replace them

Based on Mitsubishi’s Pajero NK–NL (1997–1999) Workshop Manual, the Gregory’s/ Haynes service guides, and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, brake-shoes are indeed used on the 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero. Many NL/NK variants run rear drum brakes that use primary brake-shoes for stopping, while higher-spec models with rear disc brakes still use small drum-style brake-shoes inside the rotor “hat” for the parking brake. So whether it’s a drum rear or a disc-with-drum handbrake setup, brake-shoes are relevant on the 1998 Pajero.

On drum-brake rear ends, the brake-shoes are the friction linings that press outwards against the inside of the drum to slow the vehicle. On disc-brake rears, the dedicated parking-brake shoes sit inside the disc rotor’s hat section and hold the vehicle when parked. Either way, the job is all about reliable friction and consistent holding power — vital for touring, towing, and off-road work that a Pajero often sees.

For servicing, a visual inspection of the 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero brake-shoes every 20,000 km or 12 months is a smart move. Look for thin linings, glazing, cracking, uneven wear, or contamination from oil or brake fluid. On drum setups, also check wheel cylinders for leaks and ensure the self-adjusters and return springs move freely. On disc-with-drum handbrakes, inspect the shoes under the rotor hat and confirm the park brake operates evenly left-to-right. Replace shoes as an axle set, clean with proper brake cleaner (not compressed air or solvents), and consider a hardware kit if springs and hold-down pins are tired. After fitting, adjust at the shoes first, then finalise at the lever to get a firm, short park-brake travel. A brief bedding-in drive at moderate speeds helps new linings settle.

Common signs it’s time to act include weak handbrake hold on a hill, a long lever travel, scraping/squealing from the rear, or a grabby feel at low speed. If the vehicle frequently tackles mud, sand, water crossings, or heavy towing, shorten the inspection interval — abrasive grit and heat are tough on linings. Always follow torque specs from the workshop data, and if drums or rotor hats are scored or out of round, machine within limits or replace for best results.

• Tip: When replacing brake-shoes, check rear axle seals and wheel cylinders — fixing leaks now protects the new linings.

Popular questions about 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero brake-shoes

Do all 1998 Pajeros have rear drum brakes?
Not all. Many NL/NK trims use rear drums, while others run rear discs with a small drum-in-hat parking brake. Either way, the vehicle uses brake-shoes — they’re the main service brakes on drum models and the park-brake linings on disc models. A quick look through the wheel or a peek behind the rear wheel will tell the story.

How often should the brake-shoes be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre figure because use varies. As a guide, inspect every 20,000 km or 12 months and expect replacement anywhere from 60,000–100,000 km for rear drums in normal use. Park-brake shoes on disc models often last longer but still need periodic checks, adjustment, and replacement when thin or glazed.

Do the drums or rotor hats need machining when changing shoes?
Only if needed. If the drum or rotor hat is scored, out of round, or beyond service limits, machine it within spec or replace it. A clean, true surface helps new shoes bed in quickly and gives stronger, quieter braking and parking performance.