How often should the differential oil be changed for a Mitsubishi Pajero?
2 Answers
The differential oil for a Mitsubishi Pajero should be changed every 3 years or 60,000 kilometers. Here is some relevant information: The function of the differential is to meet the requirement of different wheel speeds when the car is turning. The car differential allows the left and right (or front and rear) drive wheels to rotate at different speeds. It is mainly composed of left and right half-shaft gears, two planetary gears, and a gear carrier. The steps for changing the car differential oil are as follows: 1. First, lift the car and place a large container underneath to catch the used oil. Use an appropriate screwdriver to remove the inner and outer shells of the transmission. Some transmission oil will flow out at this point, so be careful to avoid it. 2. When most of the oil has drained, remove the last oil pan, being careful to support it by hand as there will still be a significant amount of used oil. 3. Remove the oil pan gasket and clean the surrounding area. If any gaps are not clean, use a tool with cotton thread to thoroughly clean all the filtered transmission oil components, then reinstall them one by one. 4. Wipe the surfaces of the replacement parts clean, ensuring there are no water or oil stains, as these can cause leaks. Reinstall the cleaned oil pan and gasket, then add the manufacturer-recommended oil. Check the oil level through the fill hole to ensure it is full. If the oil is full, it will start to overflow from the observation hole.
As someone who deals with off-road vehicles year-round, I recommend changing the Mitsubishi Pajero differential oil every 40,000 kilometers. The gears inside the differential rub against each other, generating heat, and over time the oil becomes dirty and oxidized. Not changing it can lead to increased noise, transmission hesitation, or even major repairs. The Pajero manual typically suggests changing it every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers or every three years, depending on your driving conditions—urban driving allows for slightly longer intervals, while off-roading in dusty environments calls for earlier replacement. Doing it yourself is simple: just find a lift, unscrew the bottom drain plug, drain the old oil, clean it, and refill with new oil from the top—make sure not to use the wrong type. I've seen many owners delay this maintenance, only to end up with a damaged differential costing thousands in repairs. Regular upkeep ensures peace of mind and extends your vehicle's lifespan, allowing worry-free off-roading and long-distance trips.
