Parts for your 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero-Exhaust mount

2004 Mitsubishi Pajero (NM/NP) Exhaust Mount: What it does and when to replace it

Yes, the 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero uses exhaust mounts (rubber hangers/insulators). This is documented in Mitsubishi’s NM/NP Pajero Workshop Manual (Group 15 – Exhaust), which details the exhaust system supports and “muffler insulator” rubbers, and in the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue that lists multiple exhaust insulators for the front, centre and rear sections. Aftermarket technical catalogues for Australia and New Zealand (e.g., Mackay Rubber) and general service data (Haynes and Autodata) also specify inspection and replacement of exhaust mounting rubbers on this model. So, an exhaust-mount is absolutely relevant to the 2004 Pajero.

On this body-on-frame 4x4, the exhaust is long and needs several mounts to support weight, control movement and isolate vibration. These rubber insulators let the system flex with engine rock and chassis twist off-road, while keeping the pipework off the crossmembers, floorpan and towbar. Good mounts help prevent rattles, knocks and premature cracking in welds or flanges.

When the mounts age, the rubber perishes, sags or splits. The common tells are a dull thud over bumps, a rattle at idle or on cold start, a tailpipe sitting off-centre in the bumper cut-out, or a harsh drone because the system is touching the body. If the system’s started to bang against a heat shield or crossmember, the mounts are likely past it.

• Service tip: check the exhaust mounts at every service or 20,000–30,000 km, especially if the Pajero tows, sees corrugations, or drives through mud and salt air.
• Look for: cracks, elongation of the holes, glazed/hard rubber, excessive sag, or shiny contact marks on nearby metal.
• Best practice: replace mounts in pairs/sets along a section to keep height and alignment consistent.

Replacement is straightforward: let the exhaust cool, safely support the pipe or muffler, then lever off the old rubbers and slide on new quality insulators. A spritz of silicone spray helps them slip on without tearing. Inspect the steel brackets and heat shields while you’re there, bend or replace anything that’s fatigued. After fitting, check clearances around the transfer case, rear diff, spare wheel and towbar, and ensure there’s no contact at full suspension droop/compression. Reuse original-style mounts (OEM or equivalent quality) to keep the Pajero’s NVH in check—overly soft or hard rubbers can create new noises.

For any bracket fasteners you undo, tighten to the workshop manual spec for the NM/NP Pajero’s exhaust hardware. If the system’s been modified (larger muffler/resonator), consider adding an extra hanger to share the load.

Popular questions about 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero exhaust mounts

How many exhaust mounts does a 2004 Pajero have?
It varies by engine and body style, but typically there are several rubber insulators spaced along the front pipe, centre section and rear muffler—often three to five on long-wheelbase models. The exact count depends on petrol vs diesel layouts and whether the system is aftermarket.

Can it be driven with a broken exhaust mount?
It might drive, but it’s not a great idea. A failed mount lets the exhaust swing, which can crack joints, stress the manifold, melt nearby components or bang against the body. Replacing the mount promptly is cheaper than repairing a broken flange or pipe later.

What should be used to replace the mounts?
Use OEM-spec rubber insulators or a high-quality equivalent designed for the NM/NP Pajero. Avoid universal rubbers that change the ride height of the system. If the vehicle has a heavier aftermarket exhaust, choose mounts rated for the added weight and heat.