Parts for your 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero-Wheel hubs

2005 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel-hubs — what they do and how to look after them

Based on Mitsubishi’s official Pajero NM/NP Workshop Manual (2000–2006, Groups 22A, 26A and 27A) and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for 2005 V6/V7 series, the 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero is fitted with conventional wheel hubs and hub/bearing assemblies at both front and rear. It does not use manual locking hubs at the wheels, Super Select 4WD II disconnects via a freewheel clutch inside the front differential. So wheel-hubs are absolutely relevant to this model.

On a 2005 Pajero, the wheel-hub is the sturdy, machined centre that the brake rotor and wheel mount to, housing a sealed double-row bearing. It keeps the wheel rotating smoothly, carries vehicle load, and provides the register for the disc and the studs for the nuts. Many variants also rely on the hub/bearing for the ABS signal path, so correct fitment matters for safety systems.

These hubs are sealed-for-life units, meaning there’s no routine greasing. Servicing is about inspection and replacement when wear shows up. At every service, a tech should spin each wheel off the ground and listen for a dull rumble, feel for roughness, and check for play by rocking the tyre at 12 and 6 o’clock. Any heat discolouration, torn seals, or ABS warning lights after bumps or water crossings are also cues to investigate the hub/bearing.

Replacement is straightforward for a well-equipped workshop, but it’s not a backyard spanner job unless the right pullers and presses are on hand. The front and rear bearings are a press-fit in the knuckle or carrier, forcing them in crooked can damage the new unit. Quality OEM-spec bearings and hubs should be used, new circlips and seals fitted, and all fasteners and axle nuts tightened to the Mitsubishi workshop manual torque specs. Wheel nuts should be re-torqued after a short drive. Alignment is commonly unaffected, but it’s smart to check if the knuckle was disturbed.

For those taking a Pajero across creeks or corrugations, more frequent checks are wise. Water ingress and shock loads accelerate bearing wear. Replacing hubs in pairs isn’t mandatory, but many owners opt to do both fronts or both rears together to keep handling and noise consistent.

• Common symptoms of a failing Pajero wheel-hub: humming that rises with speed, ABS light after steering or braking, warmth at the hub, and noticeable wheel play.

Popular questions about 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero wheel-hubs

Do 2005 Pajeros have manual locking hubs?
No. As documented in Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD II description (Workshop Manual Group 22A), the freewheel function is inside the front differential, not at the wheels. The front wheel-hubs are fixed flanges with sealed bearings.

How long do Pajero hub bearings usually last?
With normal on-road use, many see well over 150,000 km. Frequent mud, deep water, or heavy towing can shorten that. Regular inspection at service intervals helps catch wear before it becomes noisy or affects braking and ABS.

Is it safe to drive with a noisy wheel-hub?
Not recommended. Noise often means internal bearing damage. Continued driving can escalate to heat build-up, ABS faults, or—worst case—bearing collapse. It’s best to book a replacement promptly and follow the workshop manual for torque and parts procedures.