1998 MITSUBISHI MONTERO 4WD

STEERING COLUMN
1998 Mitsubishi Montero
1997-98 STEERING
Mitsubishi - Steering Columns - RWD & 4WD
Mitsubishi: Montero, Montero Sport
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) that includes an air bag located in steering wheel.
Use caution when working around steering column. Ensure
battery is disconnected before attempting any repair. DO NOT
apply electrical power to any component on steering column
without disconnecting air bag module (air bag could deploy).
Steering column consists of a collapsible steering shaft with
lower joint assembly. Vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) that includes an air bag and clockspring
located in steering column wheel.
NOTE: For information not covered in this article, air bag
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING or DISPOSAL PROCEDURES, see AIR BAG
RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
WARNING: Wait at least 60 seconds after disconnecting negative
battery cable before servicing SRS. System reserve capacitor
maintains SRS voltage for about 60 seconds after battery is
disconnected. Servicing SRS before 60-second period may
cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal
injury.
To disable system, turn ignition switch to OFF position.
Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable end. Wait at least 60
seconds. To activate system, reconnect negative battery cable.
AIR BAG SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
The following precautions should be observed when working
with SRS:
* Disable SRS before servicing any SRS or steering column
component. Failure to do this may result in accidental air
bag deployment and possible personal injury. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.
* Wait at least 60 SECONDS after disabling air bag system. SRS
system retains enough voltage, for a short time after system
is disabled, to deploy air bag.
* After repairs, always turn ignition on to ensure SRS warning
light is working properly and no system faults are indicated.
* Always wear safety glasses when servicing or handling an air
bag.
* DO NOT expose air bag module and clockspring to temperatures
more than 200
F (93C).
* When placing a live air bag on a bench or other surface,
always face air bag and trim cover up, away from surface.
This will reduce motion of module if air bag accidentally

SUSPENSION - FRONT
1998 Mitsubishi Montero
1997-98 SUSPENSION
Mitsubishi - Front - 4WD & RWD
Montero, Montero Sport
DESCRIPTION
Independent front suspension uses double wishbone
construction with torsion bar. Components used with this system
include upper control arm, lower control arm, shock absorber,
stabilizer bar and steering knuckle. See Fig. 1.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of 4WD Front Suspension (Montero Shown, Montero
Sport Similar)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America.

ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
NOTE: See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in
WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.
WHEEL BEARING
Preload
1) Using Socket (MB990954) and torque wrench, tighten axle
lock nut to 119 ft. lbs. (162 N.m) on Montero, 94-145 ft. lbs. (127-
196 N.m) on Montero Sport. Loosen nut to 0 ft. lbs. (0 N.m). Retighte\
n
nut to 18 ft. lbs. (25 N.m).
2) Loosen nut 30-40 degrees on Montero, 30 degrees on Montero
Sport. Install lock washer. If lock washer hole is not aligned with
lock nut hole, lock nut may be rotated up to 20 degrees to obtain
alignment. After setting preload, check hub turning resistance and
axial play (4WD only).
Hub Turning Resistance & Axial Play (4WD Only)
1) Using dial indicator, check front hub axial play. Axial
play should be 0.002" (0.05 mm) or less. Using INCH-lb. torque wrench
or spring scale attached to wheel stud, measure hub turning
resistance. Turning resistance should be 1.1-4.0 lbs. (5-18 N) on
Montero or 0.9-4.3 lbs. (4-19 N) on Montero Sport if measured using
spring scale, or 2.6-11.3 INCH lbs. (0.3-1.3 N.m) on both models if
measured using torque wrench.
2) Adjust wheel bearing so turning resistance and axial play
are within specification. If turning resistance and axial play cannot
be adjusted to specification, check wheel bearing condition and
installation.
Drive Axle End Play (4WD Only)
Install drive axle shim and snap ring. Push drive shaft in
toward knuckle. Measure clearance between drive flange and shim with a
feeler gauge. If clearance is not 0.016-0.028" (0.4-0.7 mm) replace
shim to bring clearance into specification.
BALL JOINT CHECKING
Lower Ball Joint
Place ball joint in soft-jawed vise. Install dial indicator
with stem resting on end of ball joint stud. Measure ball joint stud
end play. Replace ball joint if end play exceeds 0.012" (0.3 mm). For
ball joint replacement, see LOWER BALL JOINT under
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
Upper Ball Joint
1) Disconnect ball joint from steering knuckle. Place nut on
ball joint stud. Using INCH-lb. torque wrench, measure starting torque
required to rotate ball joint stud.
2) Starting torque should be 7-30 INCH lbs. (0.8-3.5 N.m).
Replace ball joint if starting torque is not within specification. For
ball joint replacement, see UPPER BALL JOINT under
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
AXLE HUB ASSEMBLY

SUSPENSION - REAR
1998 Mitsubishi Montero
1997-98 SUSPENSION
Rear - RWD & 4WD
Montero, Montero Sport
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: For testing and diagnosis information on electronically
controlled shocks, see ELECTRONIC - Montero article.
Montero
Rear suspension system is multi-link type with shock
absorbers, coil springs, lateral rod and stabilizer bar. See Fig. 2.
Montero Sport
Rear suspension system is a leaf spring type with shock
absorbers and stabilizer bar. See Fig. 2.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Rear Suspension (Montero Sport)
Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America.

4WD Circuit, W/ Active Trac

TRANSMISSION REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - A/T
1998 Mitsubishi Montero
1997-98 TRANSMISSION SERVICING
Mitsubishi Transmission Removal & Installation
Diamante, Eclipse, Galant, Mirage, Montero, 3000GT
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
AWD & FWD MODELS
Removal
1) On all models except Galant, remove battery and battery
tray. On 3000GT, remove washer tank. On all models, remove air cleaner
cover with air inlet hose assembly. Raise and support vehicle. Remove
wheels. Remove undercover(s) (if equipped). Disconnect control cable\
s
at transaxle. Drain transaxle fluid.
2) On AWD models, remove front exhaust pipe. On all models,
disconnect neutral safety switch connector, oil cooler hoses and
electrical connectors from transaxle. Disconnect speedometer cable and
throttle control cable (if equipped). Remove starter motor.
3) Separate tie rod end. Separate lower ball joint. Separate
stabilizer bar connection (if necessary). Remove axle shafts. See
appropriate AXLE SHAFTS article in DRIVE AXLES. Remove center
crossmember assembly.
4) On AWD models, separate transfer assembly from transaxle.
Reference mark transfer assembly-to-drive shaft and remove transfer
assembly.
5) On all models, remove transmission inspection (dust)
cover. Place index mark on torque converter and drive plate for
reassembly reference. Remove torque converter-to-drive plate bolts.
Push torque converter away from engine into transaxle.
6) On all 4-cylinder models, support engine. On all models,
support transaxle with jack. Remove bolts from transaxle mounts.
Remove mounting brackets and remaining transaxle-to-engine bolts.
Slide transaxle assembly to right and lower to remove.
CAUTION: Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transaxle before
installation. Always install new snap rings on inner
constant velocity joints.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten transaxle-
to-engine bolts and torque converter-to-drive plate bolts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
2) Ensure reference marks on torque converter-to-drive plate
and transfer assembly-to-drive shaft align. Tighten mounting bolts
with weight of engine and transaxle on mounts. Refill transaxle fluid
to specified level. See LUBRICATION in TRANSMISSION SERVICING - A/T
article. Adjust all control cables. See ADJUSTMENTS in
TRANSMISSION SERVICING - A/T article.
RWD & 4WD MODELS
Removal
1) Disconnect negative battery cable. On Montero 4WD, remove
transfer case shift lever knob, dust boot and retainer plate or
console. Remove transfer case gearshift assembly.
2) On all models, raise and support vehicle. Remove
undercarriage cover and/or skid plate(s). Drain transmission and
transfer case (if applicable). Place reference mark on drive shaft(s)\

and remove. Disconnect all external solenoid and switch connections.
3) On Montero 4WD, remove catalytic converter and front
exhaust pipe. On all models, disconnect speedometer cable and control
cables at transmission. Remove starter and bellhousing cover. Place
reference mark on torque converter and drive plate for reassembly
reference. Remove torque converter bolts. Push torque converter back
and away from drive plate.
4) Disconnect transmission cooler lines. Remove oil filler
tube. Secure transmission on a jack. Raise transmission slightly to
take weight off mount. Remove crossmember-to-mount bolts and
crossmember.
5) Remove transfer case mounting bracket and mount (if
equipped). Remove transmission-to-engine mounting bolts. Carefully
lower transmission from vehicle.
CAUTION: Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transmission
before installation.
Installation
1) To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten
transmission-to-engine bolts and torque converter-to-drive plate bolts
to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Tighten mount bolts with
weight of engine and transmission on mounts. Ensure reference marks on
drive shaft(s) and torque converter-to-drive plate are matched.
2) Apply sealant to transfer case gearshift assembly gasket
before installation. Coat transmission oil filler tube "O" ring with
transmission fluid before installation. Refill transmission fluid to
specified level. See LUBRICATION in TRANSMISSION SERVICING - A/T
article. Adjust all control cables. See ADJUSTMENTS in
TRANSMISSION SERVICING - A/T article.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS - FWD MODELS








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Applications Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Ball Joint Nut ............................................ 74 (100)\
Center Crossmember Assembly Front Bolt ..................... 69 (93)\
Center Crossmember Assembly Rear Bolt ...................... 52 (70)\
Starter Bolts .............................................. 22 (30)\
Tie Rod End Nut ............................................ 21 (28)\
Torque Converter-To-Drive Plate Bolt ................. 33-38 (45-52)\
Transaxle-To-Engine Block Bolt
8-mm Bolt .................................................... ( 1)
10-mm Bolt ......................................... 22-25 (30-34)\
12-mm Bolt ......................................... 31-40 (42-54)\
Upper Coupling Bolts
2.4L ..................................................... 35 (48)\
3.0L ..................................................... 54 (73)\
Lower Coupling Bolts
2.4L ..................................................... 35 (48)\
3.0L ..................................................... 65 (88)\
( 1) - Tighten to 84-108 INCH lbs. (10-12 N.m).









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TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS - RWD MODELS








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Applications Ft. Lbs. (N.m)\
Engine-To-Transmission Bolt ................................ 65 (88)\

TRANSMISSION SERVICING - A/T
1998 Mitsubishi Montero
1997-98 TRANSMISSION SERVICING
Mitsubishi Automatic Transmission
Diamante, Eclipse, Galant, Mirage, Montero, 3000GT
IDENTIFICATION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION APPLICATIONS








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Model Transmission/Transaxle
Diamante ..................................... Model F4A51 Transaxle
Eclipse
AWD ........................................ Model W4A33 Transaxle
FWD
2.0L Non-Turbo ........................... Model F4AC1 Transaxle
2.0L Turbo ............................... Model F4A33 Transaxle
2.4L ....................................... Model F4A23 Transaxle
Galant ....................................... Model F4A23 Transaxle
Mirage
1.5L ....................................... Model F4A41 Transaxle
1.8L ....................................... Model F4A42 Transaxle
Montero
2WD ..................................... Model R4AW3 Transmission
4WD ..................................... Model V4AW3 Transmission
3000GT ....................................... Model F4A33 Transaxle









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LUBRICATION
SERVICE INTERVALS
Transaxle/Transmission
Check fluid level every 12 months or 15,000 miles. Change
fluid and filter every 30,000 miles. If vehicle is operated under
severe conditions, change fluid more often. If severe darkening of
fluid and strong odor are noted, bands should also be adjusted.
Transfer Case
On 4WD and AWD models, change transfer case fluid every 30,
000 miles.
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
Transaxle/Transmission
1) Park vehicle on level area. Ensure oil is at normal
operating temperature, parking brake is engaged, and engine is at
idle. Move gear selector through each position, stopping briefly at
each selection.
2) Place gear selector in Neutral, and clean area around
dipstick tube. Ensure fluid level is between lower and upper marks,
but never over upper mark, in HOT range. Add or drain fluid if
necessary.
CAUTION: If severe darkening of fluid and strong odor are noted,
change fluid and filter, and adjust bands.
Transfer Case (All Others)