Parts for your 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero-Exhaust mount

2003 Mitsubishi Pajero Exhaust Mount

Exhaust mounts are absolutely used on the 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero (NM/NP series). Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero NM/NP Workshop Manual (Exhaust section), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and AU/NZ aftermarket catalogues such as Mackay Rubber list multiple rubber exhaust insulators/hangers supporting the front pipe, centre/mid muffler and rear muffler/tail section across both 3.2 Di‑D diesel and 3.5/3.8 V6 petrol variants, in SWB and LWB bodies. Those references confirm the system is suspended from the chassis on rubber mounts to keep the pipework located while isolating vibration.

On this Pajero, the exhaust mounts (often called hangers, rubbers or insulators) do three key jobs: they carry the weight of the exhaust, absorb engine and road vibration so it doesn’t drone through the cabin, and hold the pipework in the correct position so it clears the body, rear axle and tow gear. They also allow a bit of movement for thermal expansion and chassis twist when the vehicle’s off‑road. If the mounts harden, crack or stretch, the system can sag, knock on crossmembers, or stress joints and flanges—none of which is ideal on a touring 4x4.

• Signs it’s time: thumps or rattles over bumps, a droopy tailpipe, extra vibration at idle, visible splits in the rubber, or shiny rub marks where the pipe has been touching the body or towbar.
• Replacement tips: work on a cold exhaust, support the pipe with a stand or jack, hit rusty brackets with penetrant, a dab of silicone spray helps old rubbers slide off and new ones on, inspect brackets and welds while you’re there. Use quality OEM‑equivalent rubbers—designs and durometers vary by location along the system.
• Service pointers: inspect every service or 20,000 km, and after beach work, heavy towing, or corrugated‑road trips. Pajero exhausts are long and see a lot of movement—off‑road use accelerates mount wear. If one mount fails, check the rest, as the extra load often takes out the neighbours.

There isn’t a fixed replacement interval—condition rules. If any mount is cracked, oil‑soaked, hardened or deformed, replace it. Refit with the exhaust sitting naturally, confirm even clearances around the body and suspension, and snug bracket hardware to the spec in the Pajero NM/NP Workshop Manual. Don’t forget to check nearby heat shields and O2 sensor wiring before lowering the vehicle. Done right, fresh mounts keep the big Mitsi quiet, tight and happy on both the motorway and the metal roads.

FAQs

How do you know the exhaust mounts on a 2003 Pajero need replacing?
Tell‑tales include knocking noises over bumps, a tailpipe that sits off‑centre or too low, and extra cabin buzz at idle. A quick look underneath will often reveal split or perished rubbers, or fresh witness marks where the pipe has been touching the body or tow kit.

Are the mounts the same across diesel and petrol Pajero NM/NP models?
They’re similar in concept but not always identical. Position, bracket style and rubber hardness can differ between 3.2 Di‑D and V6 systems, and between SWB and LWB. Match parts to VIN or use the Pajero NM/NP EPC to confirm the correct insulator locations.

Is it safe to drive with a broken exhaust mount?
It might get you home, but it’s not ideal. A missing mount can shift more load to the remaining rubbers, risk contact with the body or axle, and stress flanges or the cat. Replace it promptly to avoid bigger repair bills or an exhaust dragging on the road.