Parts for your 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero-Strut mounts

Understanding Strut Mounts on the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero

When it comes to the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero, it's important to understand the suspension setup before diving into specific components like strut mounts. The Pajero from this era typically features a double wishbone suspension at the front and a coil spring and shock absorber setup at the rear with a solid axle. This design means that, unlike many passenger cars that use MacPherson struts, the Pajero does not actually use strut mounts as part of its suspension system.

Strut mounts are components found in MacPherson strut suspension systems. They serve as the top mounting point of the strut assembly to the vehicle body or chassis and usually incorporate a bearing or rubber isolator to absorb road vibrations and allow the strut to pivot when steering. Since the 2002 Pajero front suspension uses a double wishbone setup with separate shock absorbers and coil springs (rather than a strut assembly), strut mounts are simply not used in this vehicle. Instead, the shocks are mounted separately with their own bushings and rubber mounts.

So why no strut mounts? The MacPherson strut is a simple and compact suspension design that integrates the shock absorber and the coil spring into one unit, which is then attached to the chassis at the top via the strut mount. This setup requires a component like the strut mount to cushion the mount point and allow for smooth steering input. On the other hand, the double wishbone suspension offers advantages such as better handling and control, especially on rough terrain or with heavy vehicles like the Pajero, and separates the shock absorber from the upper control arm mounting requirements. Because the shock absorbers and coil springs function separately, the vehicle uses shock mounts or bushings rather than strut mounts.

For owners or mechanics servicing a 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero, this means attention should be given to the shock absorber mounts, suspension bushings, and ball joints, rather than strut mounts. These play a similar role in ensuring suspension performance and ride comfort but are different components with unique maintenance needs.

While strut mounts are a critical service item on MacPherson strut equipped vehicles, they are irrelevant to the 2002 Pajero and won't be found on it at all. So parts catalogues and repair manuals for this model will list shock absorber mounting bushings and related suspension hardware instead of strut mounts, reflecting the design difference.

If a vehicle or mechanic recommends replacing strut mounts on a 2002 Pajero, it is likely a misunderstanding or incorrect diagnosis, since no strut assembly exists on that model. Instead, regular inspection and maintenance should focus on:

• Shock absorber bushings for wear or cracking
• Coil spring condition and seats
• Ball joints and control arm bushes
• Wheel alignment and steering components

These parts contribute to ride quality, handling, and safety just as much as strut mounts would on other vehicles.

By understanding this key difference in suspension design, Pajero owners can avoid unnecessary expenses on non-existent parts and instead focus on maintaining its reliable and robust suspension system. Proper maintenance of the shock absorber mounts and other suspension components will keep the 2002 Pajero performing well both on-road and off-road, enhancing comfort, control, and longevity of the vehicle suspension.