Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero-Bump stops

1998 Mitsubishi Pajero bump-stops

Yes, the 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero is fitted with bump-stops front and rear. Mitsubishi’s factory Workshop Manual for the V2/V3/V4/V6/V7 series (1997–1999) identifies “bump rubber” on the front double-wishbone torsion-bar suspension and rear “bump stop” on the live axle with coils (Group 33A Front Suspension, Group 34 Rear Axle). The Mitsubishi ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue for 1998 Pajero models also lists dedicated front and rear bump-stops, and general repair manuals for Montero/Pajero of this era note the same components. These technical sources confirm the part is standard equipment on this model.

On a 1998 Pajero, bump-stops are there to protect the suspension and chassis when things get fully compressed — think big hits, towing, or belting along corrugations. They act as a final cushion so metal parts don’t smash into each other, keeping control predictable and saving shocks, arms and diff housings from damage. Up front they limit wishbone travel, at the rear they prevent the axle from over-compressing the coils and contacting the chassis. That’s particularly important on a lifted or heavily loaded truck where travel can change.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to eyeball the bump-stops every 10,000–15,000 km, or whenever tyres are rotated or the suspension is worked on. Rubber ages — it hardens, cracks and can even tear off the mount. If the Pajero is getting a harsh “thud” at full compression, bottoms out more often than it used to, or there’s visible damage to the stop or its bracket, replacement is on the cards.

• Check for perished, split or missing rubber.
• Look for bent or rusty mounting brackets.
• Note uneven gaps side to side — could hint at sagging springs.

Swapping them out is straightforward: safely support the chassis so the suspension droops, unbolt the old stops, clean the seats, then fit new OEM-style rubber or quality polyurethane equivalents. Keep to Pajero-specific shapes and heights so clearances remain within spec — that preserves ride comfort and protects shocks from acting as unintended bump-stops. After any lift, torsion-bar adjustment, or load-assist install, recheck bump-stop clearance and contact pattern. A quick torque check on the mounting hardware after the first few drives isn’t a bad shout either.

Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Motors Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual (1997–1999, V2/V3/V4/V6/V7) – Group 33A Front Suspension and Group 34 Rear Axle, Mitsubishi ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue for 1998 Pajero models, mainstream Pajero/Montero repair manuals covering suspension components including bump rubbers/stops.

FAQs

Where are the bump-stops on a 1998 Pajero?
Up front they’re mounted on the chassis to contact the upper control arm at full compression. At the rear they’re fixed to the chassis rails above the live axle, acting as cushions when the diff moves up toward the body. A quick look above the upper arms (front) and atop the axle tubes (rear) will spot them.

Can worn bump-stops cause a harsh ride or clunks?
They can. Perished or missing stops let the suspension hit metal-to-metal, which feels like a sharp bang and can sound like a clunk. You might also notice the Pajero bottoms out sooner on potholes or speed humps. Replacing the stops restores that last bit of travel control and protects shocks and arms.

Do lift kits or heavy-duty springs mean different bump-stops?
Often, yes. A suspension lift or big load changes the geometry and available travel. Many lift kits specify revised bump-stop heights to keep tyres off guards and prevent over-compressing shocks. Use components designed for the 1998 Pajero and confirm clearances after installation.