Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero-Cv joint

1998 Mitsubishi Pajero CV Joint — purpose, servicing and replacement

Technical sources confirm the 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero (V20 series) uses constant velocity (CV) joints on its independent front suspension. The Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual (V20, Group 26: Front Axle) details “Front drive shaft and CV joint” procedures, and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for 1998 V44/V46 variants lists complete front drive shafts with inner and outer CV joints. Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual for Pajero 1991–1999 also specifies CV-joint and boot inspection. The rear uses a live axle and prop shaft with universal joints, not CVs—so CV joints are front-axle components on this model.

On the Pajero, CV joints let the front wheels steer and travel up and down while still getting smooth drive from the diff. The outer joint (typically Rzeppa style) handles steering angles, while the inner joint (often a tripod/DOJ) manages plunge as the suspension moves. When the boots stay intact and well-greased, they’re quiet, efficient, and tough enough for long outback hauls and bush tracks.

What tends to go wrong is the rubber boot splitting, which flings grease over the inside of the rim and invites grit into the joint. Once dry or contaminated, the joint can click on full lock, shudder under load, or vibrate at speed. Regular checks keep things sweet.

• Inspect front CV boots every 10,000–15,000 km, or after mud/sand/water crossings.
• Look for grease spray, cracks in the boot, and play at the joint.
• At service time, make sure clamps are snug and there’s no noise on full-lock turns.

If a boot is torn but the joint’s still quiet and smooth, a quality boot kit and fresh high-moly CV grease can save the day. If there’s clicking, pitting or blueing, a replacement joint or complete shaft is the smarter call. Many owners opt for complete shafts for convenience and to refresh both inner and outer joints in one go. During replacement, use new circlips and seals, keep everything surgically clean, and torque fasteners to the factory spec from the workshop manual. After refitting, a wheel alignment check is a good idea.

Touring or towing? Extra load and harsher angles mean more frequent inspections. Keep tyres matched in size and wear, avoid full-lock throttle starts on grippy surfaces, and the Pajero’s front CVs will usually clock up plenty of kilometres without drama.

Popular questions about 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero CV joints

Does a 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero have CV joints?
Yes. The V20-series Pajero uses CV joints on the front drive shafts. The factory workshop manual (Front Axle section) and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue list inner and outer CV joints for 1998 models. The rear driveline uses universal joints, not CVs.

What are the common signs of a failing Pajero CV joint?
Typical signs include clicking on full-lock turns, vibration under acceleration, and grease flung around the inner wheel or suspension from a split boot. Any grinding or clunking from the front end, especially after off-road work, deserves a closer look.

Is it better to replace just the boot or the whole CV shaft?
If the boot has only just split and the joint is quiet and smooth, a boot kit and fresh grease usually suffice. If there’s noise, looseness, or visible wear, replacing the joint—or the complete shaft for convenience and longevity—is the better investment.