Parts for your 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero-Control arms

2006 Mitsubishi Pajero Control Arms — what they do and how to look after them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical references including the Mitsubishi factory workshop manual for NM/NP (and early NS) series, plus the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, show the Pajero running an independent double‑wishbone front end with upper and lower control arms, and an independent multi‑link rear with control/trailing arms and bushes. So, yes — control arms are relevant on this model.

On a 2006 Pajero, the control arms keep the wheels correctly located while the suspension moves through its travel. They set and hold alignment angles (camber and caster up front), help the tyres maintain a stable contact patch, and absorb a heap of vibration through their rubber or hydro bushes. The front lower arms also tie in with the ball joints and sway bar links, so they cop plenty of load from braking, corrugations, and off‑road articulation.

Because there’s no fixed replacement interval, the smart play is regular inspection. For a Pajero that tows, tours, or sees gravel and beach work, a look every 20,000 km (or at each service) is a good habit. Signs it’s time to act include:

• Clunks or knocking over bumps, or a dull thud on take‑off/braking
• Wandering steering, shimmy, or a pull to one side
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear, especially on the inner edges
• Perished, cracked, or oil‑soaked bushes, torn ball joint boots

When replacing, many owners choose complete arms if ball joints are riveted or bushes are shot, it’s often quicker and can be more cost‑effective. If you’re keeping the original arms, quality bushes matter — OE‑style rubber keeps noise and vibration down, while polyurethane can sharpen steering feel but may add a bit of NVH.

Tips the techs swear by:

• Tighten inner pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes
• Replace arms or bushes in axle pairs where practical
• Get a proper four‑wheel alignment straight after the job
• Inspect related hardware at the same time: sway bar links, tie‑rod ends, and lower ball joints

Looked after, Pajero control arms will go the distance — but once bushes split or a ball joint loosens up, sorting them quickly protects tyres, improves braking stability, and brings back that planted, confidence‑inspiring feel on both highway and rough tracks.

Popular questions about 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero control arms

How long do Pajero control arm bushes typically last?

It depends on use. Many road‑only Pajeros see 120,000–180,000 km from front lower bushes, heavy towing, corrugations, beach work, and oil contamination can cut that down. Regular inspections and rotating tyres help catch wear early.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?

Yes. Changing arms or bushes shifts camber/caster and toe, so a four‑wheel alignment is essential. Ask the shop to set it for your tyre size and typical load to keep steering feel and tyre wear spot‑on.

Can you just replace the bushes, or is it better to fit complete arms?

Both approaches work. Pressing new bushes (and ball joints where serviceable) can save money if the arm’s in good nick. If joints are non‑serviceable, the arm is bent or corroded, or labour time is high, complete arms can be the better value.