Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero-Wheel bearings

1998 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel bearings

Wheel bearings are absolutely fitted to the 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero (V20 series – NH/NJ/NK/NL). Factory technical literature details tapered roller bearings in the front hubs and pressed-on rear axle bearings. See: Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero V20 Factory Service Manual (Front Axle/Hub – Group 26, Rear Axle – Group 27), Gregory’s Pajero 1991–1998 Service and Repair Manual, and Haynes Montero/Pajero 1983–1999. Those sources cover inspection, adjustment and replacement, confirming wheel bearings are relevant to this model.

On a ’98 Pajero, the wheel bearings are the unsung heroes that let each wheel spin smoothly while carrying the weight of the 4WD and whatever gear it’s hauling. Up front, Mitsubishi uses adjustable tapered roller bearings inside the hub. They’re serviceable: cleaned, packed with fresh high-temp wheel bearing grease, set to the correct preload, and locked with a washer and nut. Out back, the live rear axle runs pressed-on bearings at the axle ends. Those rear bearings aren’t re-greased in place, when they wear or get noisy, they’re replaced along with the retainer and axle seal.

For regular servicing, it’s smart to check front wheel bearing play during a brake job or every 20,000–40,000 kilometres. Australia and New Zealand conditions—corrugations, towing, beach work and creek crossings—can be tough on grease and seals, so shorter intervals keep things sweet. Any humming that rises with speed, a growl when turning, heat at the hub after a drive, or diff oil mist on the rear backing plate are all red flags. If there’s noticeable wobble at 12-and-6 o’clock when the wheel’s off the ground, it’s time to inspect properly.

When servicing the front, clean and inspect the rollers and races. If there’s pitting, discolouration or roughness, replace the bearing and race as a matched set, and fit a new hub seal. Use a quality NLGI 2, high-temperature lithium complex (or marine) wheel bearing grease, especially if the Pajero sees water. Set preload by seating the bearings while rotating the hub, backing off, then adjusting to spec so there’s minimal end float without drag. Always use a new lock washer and recheck free rotation and ABS tone ring clearance where applicable. For the rear, the axle usually needs to come out and the bearing/retainer pressed off and on—most owners have a workshop handle this because it needs a press and care with seals and backing plates.

If a bearing is noisy or loose, avoid long drives, a failed bearing can damage the hub or axle and quickly turn into a bigger bill. Quality parts from known brands (Koyo, NTN, Timken) are worth it on a Pajero that’s going bush.

• Symptoms to watch: humming/growling, heat at the hub, ABS light after water/mud, wheel play, grease or oil leaks at the hub.
• Service tips: inspect at brake services, re-grease fronts after deep water, replace seals whenever the hub’s apart.

Popular questions about 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel bearings

Are the front wheel bearings on a 1998 Pajero adjustable or sealed?
They’re adjustable, tapered roller bearings. They’re cleaned, re-greased and set to the correct preload with a lock nut and washer. The rear axle bearings are pressed onto the axle and are replaced as a unit when worn.

How can someone tell if the Pajero’s wheel bearings are failing?
Listen for a road-speed hum that gets louder when you load one side in a corner, feel for play with the wheel off the ground, and check for heat at the hub after a drive. Grease or oil streaks near the hub or backing plate also point to seal and bearing issues.

What grease and service interval work best for Aussie and Kiwi conditions?
Use a quality NLGI 2 high-temp lithium complex bearing grease, a marine formulation helps if the vehicle sees water crossings or beach work. Inspect fronts every 20,000–40,000 km or at each front brake service, and re-grease after deep water or mud.