Parts for your 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero-Brake shoes

2006 Mitsubishi Pajero brake shoes

Technical sources confirm that the 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero does use brake shoes — specifically for the handbrake. The Mitsubishi workshop manual for the NS-series (Group 35A – Brakes), OEM parts catalogues, and aftermarket listings from major suppliers all specify a rear disc brake with a drum-in-hat parking brake that uses internal brake shoes. The service brakes are pads on discs front and rear, the shoes are only for the handbrake mechanism.

Those handbrake shoes are a neat bit of kit. They sit inside the “hat” of the rear brake disc and are applied mechanically via the handbrake lever and cables. Their job is to hold the Pajero steady when parked — on a boat ramp, campsite, or a steep driveway — and to provide a secure mechanical hold that isn’t affected by hydraulic pressure fade. While they don’t slow the vehicle during normal driving, keeping them in good nick is important for safety and for passing a WOF/Rego inspection.

As part of routine servicing on a 2006 Pajero, it’s smart to have the handbrake shoes inspected every 40,000–60,000 km or annually if the vehicle sees beach work, mud, or water crossings. A technician will check lining thickness, glazing, cracking, oil contamination (from axle seals), and the condition of springs and pins. Common signs they need attention include:

• Excessive handbrake lever travel or a weak hold on hills
• Scraping or dragging noises from the rear after parking
• Handbrake binding after heavy rain or water crossings

When replacement is due, it’s best practice to renew the shoes in axle pairs and fit a hardware kit (springs/retainers) at the same time. The drum surface inside the rear discs should be cleaned and measured, if it’s scored or out of spec, address that before refitting. Adjustment is done at the shoe star-wheel first, then fine-tuned at the lever/cable, ensuring the wheels spin free with only a light, even rub. After fitting, a brief bed-in helps: at low speed on a quiet road, apply the handbrake lightly a few times to seat the linings — don’t overheat them.

Owners who tow, tour, or often drive on the beach should rinse the underbody and avoid leaving the handbrake on when the shoes are wet, use Park (auto) or first gear (manual) and chocks until dry to prevent the shoes sticking. For torque values and wear limits, follow the Mitsubishi workshop manual.

Does a 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero use brake shoes?

Yes. It runs disc brakes for normal stopping, plus drum-in-hat brake shoes at the rear for the handbrake. The shoes don’t assist with service braking, they hold the vehicle when parked.

How often should the handbrake shoes be adjusted or replaced?

Inspection every 40,000–60,000 km is a good rule of thumb, sooner after heavy off-road, sand, or water use. Many sets last well past 100,000 km, but adjustment and cleaning may be needed earlier. Replace if the linings are thin, glazed, cracked, contaminated, or if the drum surface is damaged.

Are the handbrake shoes the same as the rear brake pads?

No. The rear pads handle normal braking on the disc. The handbrake shoes are a separate set inside the disc hat, used only for parking. They wear differently and are serviced and adjusted separately.