Parts for your 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero-Brake wheel cylinders

2000 Mitsubishi Pajero brake wheel cylinders — are they used?

For the mainstream 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero wagon (third-generation V60/V70 series), brake wheel cylinders aren’t used. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero Workshop Manual (Brakes, Group 35A) and parts catalogues (Mitsubishi ASA/EPC) list ventilated disc brakes at the front and rear with hydraulic calipers, and do not list rear wheel cylinders for this model series. Independent rear suspension and 4-wheel discs were a hallmark change on the V60/V70 from late 1999/2000, replacing the earlier live-axle setups that could use drums on certain trims. Industry data sources commonly used in workshops (e.g., Autodata/Bosch ESI-type brake specifications) also show disc/disc for 2000 Pajero V60/V70.

Why no wheel cylinders? Wheel cylinders are specific to drum brake assemblies, where they push brake shoes outward. The 2000 Pajero’s service brakes are disc type on all four corners, so hydraulic pressure acts on caliper pistons instead. The only “drum” you’ll find is the small drum-in-hat parking brake inside the rear rotors, and that’s cable-operated — no wheel cylinders there either.

There are a couple of edge cases worth noting. In some markets, run-out second-generation Pajero (up to 1999 build) or the related Pajero Sport/Challenger around 2000 could be fitted with rear drum brakes, which do use wheel cylinders. If the vehicle has independent rear suspension and a visible rear rotor, it’s the V60/V70 with calipers. If it has a live rear axle with a full drum, it may be an earlier or different model.

If maintaining brakes on a 2000 Pajero V60/V70, the focus is on calipers, pads and rotors, not wheel cylinders. Key tips:

• Inspect and clean caliper slide pins, lubricate with high-temp silicone or moly brake grease and replace torn boots.
• Check caliper pistons and seals for corrosion or sticking, rebuild kits are available if needed.
• Measure rotor thickness and runout, replace or machine within spec as per the workshop manual.
• Replace brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4 as specified) every 2 years, bleed in the correct sequence and follow ABS precautions.
• Service the rear drum-in-hat parking brake: adjust shoe clearance and inspect cables and linings.

FAQs — 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero brake wheel cylinders

Do 2000 Pajeros have brake wheel cylinders?
For the V60/V70 series (the common 2000 Pajero wagon), no. It runs disc brakes front and rear with hydraulic calipers, so there are no wheel cylinders. If yours is a Pajero Sport/Challenger or an earlier carry-over model with rear drums, then wheel cylinders may be fitted. A quick look through the rear wheel — seeing a rotor means discs and no wheel cylinders.

What should be serviced instead of wheel cylinders on a 2000 Pajero?
Focus on caliper slide pins, piston seals, pads and rotors. Keep the brake fluid fresh and bleed correctly. Also check the drum-in-hat parking brake shoes and adjusters, they’re mechanical and don’t use hydraulic wheel cylinders.

Is the parking brake a drum, and does it have wheel cylinders?
The parking brake uses a small drum inside the rear brake rotor (drum-in-hat design). It is cable-operated, so there are no wheel cylinders involved. Service includes checking shoe wear, cleaning hardware, and setting the correct clearance.