Parts for your 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero-Strut mounts

2004 Mitsubishi Pajero strut-mounts: are they used?

Short answer: strut-mounts aren’t used on the 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero NM–NP (2000–2006) Workshop Manual (Group 33A Front Suspension and Group 34 Rear Suspension) and industry catalogues from major damper suppliers describe the Pajero’s setup as independent double wishbone front suspension with coil-over shock absorbers, and an independent multi-link rear. Because it doesn’t run MacPherson struts, there’s no strut top bearing plate or “strut mount” assembly in this model.

On vehicles with MacPherson struts, the strut-mount sits at the top of the strut, tying it into the body and allowing the assembly to rotate as you steer. The 2004 Pajero instead uses separate upper and lower control arms, with a shock and spring unit mounted between the arm and the chassis. That arrangement uses shock absorber top bushes, isolators and seats rather than a strut-mount and bearing. Mitsubishi’s NM/NP workshop literature and new-model technical training materials back this up by detailing control arms, ball joints and shock bushings, with no reference to a strut top mount or bearing plate. Major parts catalogues for the 2004 Pajero likewise list front shock bushes and mounts, not strut-mount kits.

Chasing a clunk or vague steering on a 2004 Pajero and thinking “strut mount”? The parts to check instead are:

• Front shock absorber upper bushes/insulators and dust boots
• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Sway bar link rods and D-bushes
• Rear shock bushes and control arm bushes (multi-link)

For servicing, it’s smart to inspect the front shock upper bushes for cracking, deformation or perishing every 20–40,000 kilometres, especially if the vehicle tows, carries loads or spends weekends on corrugations. Replace worn bushes in pairs. When refitting, torque suspension fasteners at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes, and book a wheel alignment if control arm bushes or ball joints are replaced. If shocks are tired or leaking, consider quality replacements matched to how the Pajero is used—touring, towing or 4WDing—so it keeps ride and handling tidy whilst looking after tyres.

Technical references cited: Mitsubishi Pajero NM–NP Workshop Manual (2000–2006), Group 33A/34, Mitsubishi new-model technical training for V60/V70, KYB and Monroe AU/NZ application catalogues indicating no front strut-mount listing for 2004 Pajero.

FAQs

Does a 2004 Pajero have struts or shocks?
It runs shocks within a double wishbone front suspension, not MacPherson struts. That’s why there’s no strut-mount or strut top bearing on this model.

What’s the Pajero equivalent of a strut-mount?
Instead of a strut-mount, the Pajero uses an upper shock absorber bush/insulator and related hardware. Those parts isolate noise and vibration but don’t act as a steering bearing.

What should be checked for front-end clunks if there’s no strut-mount?
Look at front shock upper bushes, sway bar links and D-bushes, upper/lower control arm bushes, and ball joints. Any play or perishing here can cause knocks over bumps and vague steering feel.