Parts for your 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero-Wheel hubs

2002 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel hubs — what they do and how to look after them

Technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero NM/NP Workshop Manual (2000–2006, Group 26 Front Axle, Group 35 Brakes/ABS), the Mitsubishi ASA/EPC parts catalogue, and the Super Select 4WD II system description confirm the 2002 Pajero (NM/NP) is fitted with wheel hubs at all four corners. It does not use manual locking hubs, the front hubs are permanently driven via constant drive flanges as part of Super Select 4WD II.

The wheel hub on a 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero is the sturdy mounting point that ties the wheel, brake disc, and bearing to the knuckle. On front corners it also splines to the CV shaft, transmitting drive while keeping rotation smooth and true. The sealed double-row bearing in the hub supports vehicle weight, controls wheel runout, and helps the ABS sensor get a clean signal for reliable braking control. In short, healthy hubs mean stable handling, even tyre wear, and quiet cruising across town or out bush.

As the Pajero’s hub bearings are sealed, routine servicing focuses on inspection rather than greasing. A good workshop will check for play by rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock, listen for growls or rumbling on road test, and look for heat discolouration, metal flecks, or ABS fault lights. After water crossings, mud, or corrugated tracks, more frequent checks are smart. Keeping wheel nuts correctly torqued and avoiding impacts to the hub face when changing tyres helps prevent premature wear.

Replacement is straightforward for a pro but does need the right gear. Depending on variant, the bearing is pressed into the knuckle and mates to the hub flange, so a press, pullers, and care with circlips and seals are required. Best practice is to renew related hardware (seals, circlip, axle nut) and confirm ABS sensor clearances. If one front hub/bearing has failed from age or kilometres, replacing both on the same axle can save a return trip. After fitment, a quick alignment check and a re-torque once the vehicle has settled are worthwhile.

Owners who tow, tour, or tackle rough tracks should budget for hub/bearing inspection at major services. Catching a tired bearing early avoids rotor damage, ABS faults, and that classic Pajero hum that creeps in above 60 km/h.

Does a 2002 Pajero have manual locking hubs?

No. The NM/NP Pajero runs Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD II with constant drive flanges, so there are no manual freewheeling hubs to engage. Drive is managed via the transfer case, giving full-time 4WD capability.

What are the signs a Pajero wheel hub or bearing is failing?

Common tells include a humming or growling that rises with road speed, play felt when rocking the wheel, ABS warning lights, uneven tyre wear, or heat around the hub after a drive. Left too long, braking feel and stability can suffer.

Can the Pajero’s hub bearings be serviced, or must they be replaced?

They’re sealed units, so once noisy or loose they’re replaced rather than regreased. The job typically involves pressing the old bearing out of the knuckle and installing a new bearing and seals, then refitting the hub and torqueing hardware to spec.