Parts for your 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero-Wheel hubs

2000 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel hubs — what they do and how to look after them

Wheel hubs are absolutely fitted and relevant on the 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero (NM series). Technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero NM/NP Workshop Manual (Front Axle/Hub and Knuckle sections), the Super Select 4WD II system description in the drivetrain chapters, and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue show front and rear hub and bearing assemblies on this model. They also confirm there are no manual free-wheeling/locking hubs on the NM Pajero — the front hubs are permanently engaged as part of the full-time 4WD system.

On this generation Pajero, each wheel rides on a hub that’s supported by a sealed, double-row bearing. Up front, the hub sits in the steering knuckle with a CV shaft running through it, at the rear (independent suspension), the hub and bearing mount to the rear carrier. Because Super Select 4WD II keeps the front axle turning all the time, the front hub bearings are always working — so good condition here matters for quiet running and safe handling.

Being sealed units, the bearings inside the hubs aren’t serviceable — when they develop play or roughness, the fix is replacement. The factory workshop manual outlines press-fit procedures for the bearing and hub, the use of new circlips and seals, careful handling of the ABS sensor, and correct torqueing of the axle/hub nut. If you don’t have a press and the right pullers, it’s a job best left to a pro.

What to watch for on a 2000 Pajero’s wheel hubs:

• Droning or humming that rises with road speed, often changing when cornering
• Disc/pad knock-back, vague steering, or ABS warning lamps
• Play when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock, or roughness when spun by hand (wheel off the ground)

Good practice during servicing:

• At each service, spin and feel each wheel for noise and roughness, check for any play
• Inspect ABS sensor wiring and keep sensor faces clean, match the correct ABS encoder/tone ring style when replacing
• Replace hub/bearing as an assembly if noisy or loose, use new fasteners, seals and circlips as specified
• Follow the workshop manual for press setups and torque specs, and recheck wheel nut torque after a short run

Sticking with quality hub/bearing kits that suit the NM Pajero and its ABS spec will keep the big Mitsi riding quietly and tracking straight for plenty more kilometres.

Does a 2000 Pajero have manual locking hubs?

No. The NM Pajero runs Super Select 4WD II, so the front hubs are permanently engaged and there are no manual free-wheeling hubs to turn by hand. This is outlined in the drivetrain sections of the Mitsubishi workshop manual and reflected in the factory parts catalogue.

How long do the wheel hub bearings usually last?

It varies with tyres, load, and road conditions, but many last well past 150,000 km. Because they’re sealed, once they start humming or develop play, replacement is the cure. Regular checks at service time help catch wear before it affects steering or ABS.

Can a home mechanic replace a Pajero hub bearing?

It’s doable with the right gear, but it needs a press, pullers, and care with the ABS sensor and axle nut torque. If you don’t have those tools, a workshop can press the old bearing out and the new one in to factory spec.