Your Selected Vehicle
Parts for your 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero-Exhaust mount
Explore 4WD & Adventure
2002 Mitsubishi Pajero Exhaust Mount — what it does and how to look after it
Yes, the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero (NM/NP) uses exhaust mounts, often called exhaust hangers or insulators. This is shown in the Mitsubishi NM/NP Pajero Workshop Manual (Group 15 – Exhaust) and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for the V60/V70 series, which depict rubber hanger insulators supporting the front pipe, centre section and rear muffler. General repair guides such as the Haynes Montero/Pajero manual also describe the exhaust being supported by multiple rubber mounts to isolate vibration.
On this Pajero, the exhaust mounts do the quiet, dirty work: they suspend the exhaust under the chassis, absorb vibration so it doesn’t drone through the cabin, and keep the pipes and mufflers sitting clear of the body, towbar and rear bumper. Good mounts also reduce stress on flanges, flex joints and welds, which helps prevent cracks and leaks.
Because many Pajeros get towing duties and off‑road use on corrugations, the rubber can perish, tear or stretch over time. Heat cycling, mud, oil and UV all speed up wear. It’s worth checking the mounts at each service (every 10,000–15,000 kilometres) or before long trips.
- What to watch for: a sagging tailpipe, rattles or thumps over bumps, buzzing at idle, or the exhaust tapping the crossmember, towbar or spare-wheel carrier.
- Visual clues: cracked or shiny rubber, elongated holes, missing mounts, or rusty/loose brackets.
Replacement is straightforward with basic tools, but always work on a cool exhaust and use stands on level ground. A dab of silicone spray or rubber grease helps the new insulators slide on.
- Support the exhaust so it can’t drop when a mount is removed.
- Unbolt any brackets and lever the old rubber insulator off the pegs.
- Fit the new insulator in the same orientation, lightly lube the pegs.
- Reattach brackets and tighten fasteners to the factory spec in the Mitsubishi workshop manual.
- Check clearances around the body, heat shields, driveshaft and suspension, then start the engine and listen for contact.
For most owners, OE-style rubber mounts keep things nice and quiet. Heavy-duty polyurethane options can last longer for towing and rough tracks, but may pass a bit more vibration into the cabin. Replacing mounts in pairs or as a set helps keep the system aligned and stress-free.
Popular questions about 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero exhaust mounts
How many exhaust mounts does a 2002 Pajero have, and where are they?
Most 2002 Pajeros have three to five mounts depending on body and engine: typically one near the front pipe/crossmember, one around the centre muffler, and one or two at the rear muffler/tailpipe. Variants and accessories (towbar, dual batteries, long-range tanks) can alter bracket styles slightly.
Is it safe to drive with a broken exhaust mount?
Short term, it might seem fine, but it’s risky. A dropped section can hit the chassis, stress flex joints, crack welds or melt nearby plastics. If a mount fails, secure the system and sort it promptly to avoid bigger repair bills.
Should I choose polyurethane or rubber mounts?
Rubber is quiet and compliant—great for daily use. Polyurethane is tougher for heavy towing and off-road corrugations but can add a touch more vibration. If most kilometres are highway and city, stick with quality rubber, if the Pajero works hard, a higher-durometer option can make sense.
