Parts for your 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero-Cv boots

1988 Mitsubishi Pajero CV Boots — What They Do and How to Look After Them

Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero (1982–1991) factory workshop manual and OEM parts catalogues (EPC/ASA) specify an independent front suspension with constant velocity (CV) driveshafts on the 1988 Pajero. Each front shaft uses inner and outer CV joints covered by rubber boots. So yes — CV boots are absolutely relevant and fitted on the 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero (front axle), while the rear live axle doesn’t use CV boots.

On a 1988 Pajero, the CV boots protect the front CV joints by keeping high-moly grease in and water, sand and grit out. Those bellows-style boots flex with steering and suspension movement, and they’re the first line of defence when the wagon is slogging through clay, corrugations or creek crossings. If a boot splits, grease gets flung onto the inside of the wheel and the joint runs dry, which quickly leads to clicking on lock and, eventually, a stuffed CV.

For servicing, treat CV boots as a routine inspection item. At each service — or every 10,000–15,000 kilometres — have a look for:

• Grease spray on the inner rim, tyre or under the guard
• Cracks in the boot folds, loose or missing clamps
• Water ingress, mud packed around the boot

If there’s any damage, sort it straight away. A fresh boot and grease is far cheaper than a new joint. When replacing, use quality OEM-equivalent neoprene or TPE boots, pack the joint with the specified CV moly grease, and fit new clamps with the correct crimp tool. Avoid generic split boots as a long-term fix, they’re a stopgap at best, especially for off-roaders.

Many first-gen Pajeros have manual or automatic free-wheeling hubs. When the hubs are disengaged on-road, CVs and front shafts don’t spin, which helps reduce wear — but boots can still age and crack, so don’t skip checks. After beach work or water crossings, rinse the underbody and reinspect the boots once dry. If there’s clicking while turning or vibration under load, the joint may already be worn, at that point, a full CV joint or complete shaft replacement is the go. Always follow the workshop manual for axle nut torque and reassembly steps to avoid preload or hub issues.

FAQs

Do 1988 Pajeros have CV boots front and rear?
They have CV boots on the front driveshafts only. The rear is a solid live axle without CV joints, so no rear CV boots are used.

What are the signs a Pajero CV boot has failed?
Look for grease flung around the inner rim or guard, visible splits in the boot, or missing clamps. If left too long, you’ll hear clicking on full lock or feel shudder under load as the CV joint wears.

Can universal split boots be used as a fix?
They can get you out of strife short-term, but for a 4WD that sees dirt and water, a proper boot replacement with the joint cleaned, repacked with moly CV grease and clamped correctly is the reliable solution.