Parts for your 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero-Strut mounts

2002 Mitsubishi Pajero strut mounts — relevant or not?

For the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero (NM/NP), strut mounts aren’t a thing. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero NM/NP Workshop Manual (Chassis, Group 33A — Front Suspension) and common reference guides such as the Mitsubishi Montero (2001–2006) service manuals and parts catalogues describe the front end as an independent double-wishbone setup with a coil-over shock absorber, and the rear as an independent multi-link with separate spring and shock. There’s no MacPherson strut on either end, which means there’s no strut top bearing/mount assembly as found on vehicles with struts.

Why that matters: a “strut mount” is specifically the top mount and bearing that lets a MacPherson strut rotate with the steering. On a 2002 Pajero, the steering pivot happens at the upper and lower ball joints, not at the top of the damper. The shock absorber’s upper fixing uses a rubber insulator/bush and a mount plate, but it’s not a strut mount in the MacPherson sense.

So if there’s a clunk, knock, or vibration up front and someone’s searching for “strut mounts” for this model, they’re likely being served the wrong part. The right attention points are the shock absorber upper bushes/insulators, control arm bushes, ball joints, and sway bar links. The Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue for NM/NP models backs this up by listing shock insulators and mounting hardware, not a strut top bearing assembly.

Good servicing practice for a 2002 Pajero focuses on the components it actually has:

• Front: inspect shock absorber upper bushes/insulators, lower control arm bushes, upper/lower ball joints, and sway bar links/D-bushes.
• Rear: check shock absorber bushes, trailing/link arm bushes, and stabiliser hardware.
• After any bush, ball joint, or arm work, book a wheel alignment to keep tyre wear tidy and steering true.
• Use quality rubber or polyurethane bushes matched to local conditions, torque fasteners at ride height as per the workshop manual.

Bottom line: on a 2002 Pajero, order shock mounts/bushes and related suspension hardware, not “strut mounts”. That’ll sort the noises properly and keep the big wagon riding sweet on Aussie and Kiwi roads and tracks.

Does a 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero have strut mounts?

No. The 2002 Pajero runs double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear, not MacPherson struts. It uses shock absorber upper bushes/insulators rather than a strut top bearing assembly.

What should be replaced if there’s a front-end clunk on a 2002 Pajero?

Start with the shock absorber upper bushes/insulators, sway bar links and D-bushes, and the upper/lower ball joints and control arm bushes. Replace worn pieces in pairs and get an alignment afterwards.

I found “strut mount” kits online for my Pajero — will they fit?

They’re usually miscategorised. For this model, you want shock absorber top insulators/bush kits or complete shocks with new hardware. Check part numbers against the Pajero NM/NP front/rear shock mounting components rather than any “strut mount” listing.