Parts for your 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero-Strut mounts

2006 Mitsubishi Pajero strut mounts — are they used?

Short answer: strut mounts aren’t a thing on a 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero Factory Service Manual for NS/NT (Front Suspension section), the Gregory’s Pajero 1999–2009 workshop manual, and major parts catalogues from KYB and Monroe show the Pajero running a front double-wishbone independent suspension with a coil-over shock, and a rear independent multi-link setup. That layout isn’t a MacPherson strut system, so there’s no rotating strut-top bearing or “strut mount” assembly fitted. The Mitsubishi ASA/EPC parts catalogue also lists upper shock insulators/bushes rather than strut mounts for this model.

Why no strut mount? In a MacPherson design, the strut is the steering pivot and needs a bearinged top mount. The Pajero’s steering pivot is handled by the upper and lower ball joints, while the shock doesn’t rotate. Up top, it uses a rubber insulator/upper shock bush to isolate noise and vibration, not a strut-top bearing plate. So if someone’s hunting “strut mounts” for a 2006 Pajero, they’re really after front shock top insulators or upper shock bushes.

What’s worth servicing instead? Focus on the parts this 4x4 actually uses:

• Front upper shock insulators/bushes and lower shock bushes.
• Sway-bar (stabiliser) link rods and bushes.
• Control arm bushes and ball joints (front double wishbone).
• Bump stops and dust boots on the shocks.

Typical symptoms that point to tired mounts/bushes or shocks include a dull knock over corrugations, vague steering, increased braking dive, cupped tyres, or visible shock oil leaks. On vehicles that tour or see off-road use, it’s smart to inspect these every 40,000–50,000 km, or sooner after heavy trips.

Handy tips when replacing shock-related hardware on a Pajero:

1. Replace components in axle pairs to keep handling even.
2. Torque fasteners with the vehicle at ride height to avoid preloading bushes.
3. Plan for a wheel alignment after front-end work.
4. Expect stubborn hardware on high-km vehicles, new self-locking nuts and a dab of anti-seize on reassembly help next time.

Lift kits sometimes use a top-out spacer above the front shock tower, but that spacer isn’t a strut mount and still doesn’t add a steering bearing. If fitting lift components, watch CV and ball-joint angles, and get a proper alignment.

FAQs

Does a 2006 Pajero have strut mounts?
No. It uses a double-wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock, so there’s no MacPherson strut or strut-top bearing plate. The correct parts up top are shock insulators/upper shock bushes.

What should be replaced if the front end knocks on bumps?
Start with the front shock upper insulators and lower bushes, sway-bar links and bushes, and check control arm bushes and ball joints. If a shock is weeping oil or has lost damping, replace the shock as well.

Can a lift kit change anything about “strut mounts” on a Pajero?
Some kits add a top-out spacer above the shock assembly, but that still isn’t a strut mount. After any lift, confirm down-travel, CV angles, and book an alignment to keep tyre wear in check.