Parts for your 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero-Control arms

2005 Mitsubishi Pajero control-arms — what they do and how to look after them

Control-arms are absolutely relevant to the 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero. The Mitsubishi factory Service Manual for the NM/NP series (2000–2006) details a double-wishbone independent front suspension using upper and lower control arms, and a multi-link independent rear suspension that uses multiple arms to control wheel movement. Mitsubishi’s ASA electronic parts catalogue also lists front upper and lower arm assemblies, bushings and ball joints for 2005 models, and well-known workshop guides (e.g., Haynes/Ellery for 1999–2006 Pajero/Montero/Shogun) cover inspection and replacement of these components.

On a 2005 Pajero, control-arms locate the wheels and set critical geometry like camber and caster, keeping the tyres planted and steering true on tarmac, gravel and corrugations. Up front, the upper and lower arms pivot on bushes and carry the ball joints, so they’re central to ride quality and steering feel. Down the back, the multi-link arms manage toe and lateral stability, helping the wagon track straight while towing or bouncing along a rutted track.

Because these rigs see mixed duty—school runs one day, beach or High Country the next—control-arm bushes and ball joints are wear items. Rubber bushes age, crack or oil-soak, ball joints can loosen over big kays or rough use. Telltales include clunks over bumps, vague steering, pulling, uneven tyre wear, or a shimmy under braking.

Service tips that owners and techs rate:

• Inspect front upper/lower arm bushes and ball joints at each major service or before a big trip, check rear multi-link bushes for cracks and play.
• If you lift the Pajero, get a proper alignment. Camber/caster can shift, and eccentric bolts seize if ignored—anti-seize and correct torque at ride height help.
• Replace in pairs side-to-side where practical. Many arms are supplied with pressed-in bushes/ball joints—often quicker and more reliable than piecemeal pressing.
• Choose quality rubber bushes for road comfort, or reputable polyurethane if you want sharper response and can live with a touch more NVH.
• After any arm/bush/ball joint work, book a wheel alignment and recheck fasteners after 500–1,000 km of mixed driving.

If you’re hearing knocks, seeing feathered tyres, or fighting the wheel on rutted surfaces, it’s time to get the control-arms checked. A sorted Pajero tracks straight, rides nicely, and feels confident on loose stuff—exactly how it should.

Popular questions about 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero control-arms

Do 2005 Pajeros have control-arms front and rear?
Yes. The 2005 Pajero runs a double-wishbone front end with upper and lower control arms, plus a multi-link independent rear that uses several arms to manage wheel location. That setup gives better ride and grip on- and off-road compared with older live-axle designs.

Front arms carry the ball joints and set camber/caster, rear arms control toe and lateral movement. Worn bushes or joints in any of these can cause clunks, poor tracking and uneven tyre wear.

How long do control-arm bushes and ball joints last on a 2005 Pajero?
It varies with use. Many see 120,000–200,000 km from factory bushes and joints on mainly sealed roads. Lots of corrugations, beach work, lifts, bigger tyres or heavy towing can shorten that.

Listen and look: knocks over bumps, wandering, vague steering or inner/outer tyre wear are common signs. Regular inspections at service time will catch wear early.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing control-arms?
Absolutely. Any change to arms, bushes or ball joints can alter camber, caster or toe. A proper alignment brings it back into spec so it drives straight, steers cleanly and preserves tyres.

Ask the shop to torque suspension fasteners at normal ride height and to recheck after a few hundred kilometres, especially if you’ve recently lifted the truck.