Parts for your 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero-Engine mount

2002 Mitsubishi Pajero engine-mount: what it does and when to replace it

Engine mounts are absolutely fitted to the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Motors Workshop Manual for Pajero/Montero NM/NP (1999–2006) under the Engine – Engine Mounting section, and the Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS electronic parts catalogue (engine group listings for “engine mounting insulator”) confirm the vehicle uses left and right engine mounts plus a transmission mount. Aftermarket catalogues and service manuals from Gregory’s/Haynes also include inspection and replacement procedures for Pajero engine mounts of this era.

On the 2002 Pajero, the engine mounts secure the engine to the chassis while isolating vibration. They’re typically rubber or fluid-filled insulators designed to absorb engine movement so the cabin stays quiet and comfortable, and so driveline angles remain correct under load. In everyday driving—especially with off‑road work, corrugations, towing, and diesel torque pulses—these mounts do a lot of heavy lifting.

When they wear or collapse, the signs are pretty clear:

• Noticeable vibration at idle through the seats or steering wheel
• Clunks or a thud on take-off, gear changes, or over bumps
• Excessive engine rock under the bonnet, or sagging on one side
• Perished rubber or fluid seepage from a hydraulic-style mount

Servicing advice for a 2002 Pajero is straightforward: visually inspect the mounts at regular service intervals (every 40,000–60,000 km is a good rule of thumb, more often if it sees rough tracks or towing). Look for cracks, separation between the rubber and metal, or contact marks where the engine is hitting its stops. If one mount has failed, it’s smart to evaluate all three (both engine-side insulators and the transmission mount) as a set, because extra movement can accelerate wear elsewhere.

When replacing, support the engine safely with a jack and a timber block under the sump, change one side at a time, and follow the workshop manual for torque settings and lift points. Don’t let the engine weight hang on the mount studs. After installation, recheck fasteners following a few heat cycles or a few hundred kilometres. Quality OEM or reputable aftermarket mounts will restore smoothness, reduce NVH, and protect exhausts, hoses, and driveline parts from undue stress—well worth doing before a big trip across Aussie or Kiwi backroads.

• How long do engine mounts last on a 2002 Pajero?
  In normal mixed driving they can last 120,000–200,000 km, but heavy off‑road use, diesel vibration, oil contamination, and towing can shorten that. Regular inspections catch early signs before they turn into clunks or driveline wear.
• Is it safe to drive with a worn engine mount?
  Short term, it may be drivable, but you’ll get more vibration and risk damaging exhaust flex joints, hoses, and other mounts. If there’s a heavy thud on take‑off or visible engine sag, schedule a replacement promptly.
• Should all mounts be replaced at once?
  Not always, but it’s wise to assess the pair of engine mounts and the transmission mount together. If one has collapsed or the vehicle has high kilometres, replacing them as a matched set can restore alignment and reduce future labour.