Parts for your 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero-Brake shoes

2002 Mitsubishi Pajero Brake Shoes

Technical references confirm that brake shoes are indeed used on the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero. The Mitsubishi Pajero NM/NP Workshop Manual (2000–2006, Group 36 – Brakes) specifies four-wheel disc brakes with a drum-in-hat style parking brake at the rear, which employs dedicated brake shoes. This is echoed in the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue and common aftermarket workshop guides (e.g., Gregory’s/Haynes) listing rear parking brake shoes for NM/NP-series Pajero. So yes, brake shoes are relevant to this model—specifically for the handbrake inside the rear brake rotors.

On a 2002 Pajero, the main stopping is handled by disc pads, but the handbrake relies on a pair of small drum shoes hidden inside the “hat” section of the rear rotors. Those shoes grip the internal drum surface to hold the vehicle securely when parked, especially on hills or when towing. They’re a simple, durable setup that usually lasts a long time, but they still need periodic inspection, adjustment, and the occasional refresh.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to check the handbrake operation every service and inspect the shoes roughly every 20,000–30,000 kilometres or if the lever travel increases. If the handbrake struggles to hold on an incline, takes heaps of clicks to engage, or you hear scraping from the rear, the shoes may be worn, glazed, or out of adjustment. Oil or brake fluid contamination from a weeping seal will also ruin the linings and demands replacement.

When replacing, always do both sides at once. Fit quality shoes and a fresh hardware/spring kit—tired springs can cause uneven wear and poor release. Inspect the inside of the rotor “drum” for scoring or heat spots, machine or replace the rotor if needed. After installation, adjust the star wheel so the shoes just begin to drag, then back off slightly, and confirm the lever clicks fall within spec. A short bed-in routine helps: perform several gentle handbrake applications at low speed to seat the linings, letting them cool between applications.

Quick checks that help keep things sweet:

• Test park-hold on a safe incline, if it creeps, adjust or service.
• Listen for rubbing with the handbrake off—could be misadjusted shoes.
• Keep the mechanism clean, light lubrication on backing plate contact points prevents squeal and sticking.

Look after the handbrake shoes and the Pajero will stay planted when parked—no fuss, no rolling, just solid hold every time.

Does a 2002 Pajero have brake shoes or just pads?

It has both. The service brakes use pads at the front and rear, while the handbrake uses small drum-style brake shoes inside the rear rotors. Those shoes only work for parking/holding, not for normal braking.

How often should the parking brake shoes be replaced?

They generally last a long time because they don’t handle regular stopping. Inspect them every 20,000–30,000 kilometres or when the lever travel increases, the car won’t hold reliably on a hill, or there’s contamination. Replace when the lining is below spec, cracked, glazed, or oil-soaked, and renew the hardware at the same time.

How is the handbrake adjusted on a 2002 Pajero?

Adjustment is via the shoe star wheel inside the rear rotor hat. Set the shoes to light drag, then back off slightly and check lever travel. If the lever still feels long, ensure the cables are free and not binding. After adjustment, bed in the shoes with several gentle applications at low speed and recheck hold.