NP Pajero - potential problem when towing

Hi All,

I just thought I would let you know about a problem I experienced with my 2004 NP Pajero, which I have since found out Mitsubishi have known about since atleast April 2006, and don't appear to readily provide details on.

After a fairly short trip to tow our caravan to the storage yard I noticed a very strong smell of oil, and noticed it all over the drawbar & chains. A quick inspection under the back showed oil sprayed all out of the rear diff. Now I thought this was related to a plug & seal not being done correctly on a service, but found out it is relating to a know problem to Mitsubishi. It also appears that they fixed the problem on manufactures after late Oct 2005 (so it must have been known then???)

It appears that the companion shaft can come loose from the rear diff when it is under loads, such as towing, causing a huge loss of oil. On seeing the approx. 5mm gap I think it is also a potential point for dirt & mud to get in & cause damage if we were either off road, or in central OZ dust, not to mention what a long haul with a huge oil loss would have done.

I rang Mitsubuishi NSW office, and they were less than helpful, so I thought I had better let a few people know, just incase you have either experienced this issue, or do a lot of towing, or off roading, as you might want to check if your NM/NP build is effected.

Cheers,

TripleC