Parts for your 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero-Oil seals

2006 Mitsubishi Pajero oil seals — what they do and when to replace them

Oil seals are absolutely relevant and used throughout the 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical documentation backs this up: the Mitsubishi Motors Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual for the NM–NS series (covering the 2006 model year) details oil seals at the crankshaft, camshafts, transmission and transfer case inputs/outputs, and at the front and rear differentials. The Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for the 2006 Pajero also lists multiple oil seals across engine, driveline and axle assemblies. These sources make it clear that the Pajero relies on oil seals to keep lubricants in and contaminants out across its 4WD powertrain.

On this model, oil seals do the quiet, crucial work of holding engine oil, gearbox fluid and diff oil where they should be, while allowing shafts to spin freely. When a seal hardens, wears, or is damaged, it can mist or leak, leading to low fluid levels, clutch or belt contamination, or noisy bearings—none of which the Pajero deserves.

Common seal locations on a 2006 Pajero include:

• Engine: front crankshaft seal, rear main seal, camshaft seals
• Transmission and transfer case: input and output shaft seals
• Front and rear differentials: pinion and axle/side oil seals

Unlike filters, oil seals aren’t a routine replacement item by time or kilometres. Instead, they should be inspected at each service for sweating or leaks. Smart opportunities to replace them are:

1. Front crank and cam seals during timing belt/chain front cover work
2. Rear main seal when the gearbox is out for clutch or transmission service
3. Diff pinion and axle seals when servicing bearings or after off‑road water crossings

Good practice on this Pajero is to clean breathers on the diffs and transfer case (blocked breathers can pressurise housings and force oil past seals), keep fluids at spec’d levels and grades, and address any oil mist quickly. When replacing, choose quality OEM-equivalent seals, inspect shaft surfaces for grooves, lightly lubricate the seal lip, and align and seat squarely using proper drivers. Always follow torque and preload procedures as outlined in the Mitsubishi workshop manual, particularly for diff pinions and transfer outputs.

Tell‑tales that a Pajero’s seal needs attention include oil spots under the vehicle, a burning‑oil smell near the bellhousing (rear main), oil on the timing cover (front seals), or diff oil weeping at backing plates or yokes. Catching and fixing a weep early is cheaper than repairing bearings or clutches later.

Popular questions about 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero oil seals

Which oil seals most commonly leak on a 2006 Pajero?
Typical offenders are front crank and cam seals at higher mileage, rear main seal if the clutch or converter has been out before, and diff pinion or axle seals—especially after heavy 4WDing or water crossings. Transfer case output seals can also mist if the breather’s blocked or the output bearings are tired.

A quick check under the bonnet and along the driveline for fresh oil traces, plus monitoring fluid levels, will usually reveal the culprit before it becomes a bigger drama.

When should the rear main seal be replaced?
The rear main isn’t replaced on a schedule