Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero-Strut mounts

1998 Mitsubishi Pajero strut-mounts: are they used, and what to know

For the 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero (second generation NJ/NK/NL), strut-mounts aren’t a thing. Technical documentation shows the Pajero of this era runs a double wishbone independent front suspension with torsion bars, and a live rear axle with coils and separate shock absorbers. Because the front suspension doesn’t use MacPherson struts, there’s no strut top bearing or “strut mount” assembly to service.

Why that matters: a MacPherson strut carries the vehicle’s weight and locates the wheel, so it needs a top mount and bearing to let the strut turn with the steering. On the ’98 Pajero, steering pivot happens at the upper and lower ball joints on the control arms, while the shock absorber is just that—a damper—bolted in with rubber bushes. So if there’s a clunk up front, the likely culprits are worn control arm bushes, ball joints, sway bar links, or tired shocks, not a failed strut mount.

Owners chasing noises or vague handling on rough Kiwi or Aussie roads should have a mechanic check:

• Front upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Front shocks and their upper/lower bushes
• Front sway bar bushes and links
• Rear trailing arm and Panhard rod bushes, rear shocks and coils
• Wheel alignment and tyre condition after any suspension work

Technical sources supporting this fitment:

• Mitsubishi Pajero (NJ/NK/NL) Workshop Manual, Group 33 – Front Suspension and Steering (1997–1999): specifies double wishbone IFS with torsion bars, no MacPherson strut or strut mount.
• Haynes Automotive Repair Manual, Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1983–1999, Suspension chapter: details wishbone front suspension layout and separate shocks.
• Mitsubishi ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for 1998 Pajero: front shock uses upper/lower bushes and brackets, no listing for a strut top mount/bearing assembly.
• Australian/NZ aftermarket catalogues (e.g., Monroe/KYB mount listings): no dedicated strut-mount part numbers for 1991–1999 Pajero.

Bottom line for this model year: if a store lists “strut-mounts” for a 1998 Pajero, it’s likely a catalogue mismatch or a universal part description. Ask for front shock bushes/mounts, ball joints, and control arm bushes instead—those are the bits that actually wear and fix the knocks, squeaks, and wandering.

Popular questions about 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero strut-mounts

Do 1998 Pajeros have strut-mounts?
They don’t. The 1998 Pajero uses a double wishbone front end with torsion bars, so there’s no MacPherson strut or strut top bearing. The shock absorbers mount with rubber bushes rather than a strut-mount assembly.

What should be checked instead of strut-mounts on a 1998 Pajero?
Front control arm bushes and ball joints, shock absorber bushes, sway bar links and bushes, plus rear trailing arm and Panhard rod bushes. These are the common wear points that mimic “strut mount” symptoms.

I found “strut-mounts” online for my 1998 Pajero—will they fit?
Probably not. Many listings use generic suspension terms. For this model, confirm parts by VIN and look for front shock bushes or complete shocks, not strut top mounts. If in doubt, ask the supplier to cross-check against the Pajero NJ/NK/NL suspension layout.