Parts for your 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero-Rack boots

1989 Mitsubishi Pajero rack-boots: are they used?

Based on technical references, rack-boots are not used on the 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero. The factory Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1982–1991 Chassis/Body Service Manual identifies a recirculating ball steering gearbox with a pitman arm, idler arm and relay/centre link for this model year, not a rack-and-pinion assembly that would require rack boots (bellows). The Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue and widely used workshop guides such as Gregory’s and Haynes for 1983–1991 Pajero/Montero models list dust boots for tie-rod ends and idler arms, but no steering rack boots for 1989 vehicles.

Why no rack-boots? Heavy-duty 4x4s of this era, including the 1989 Pajero, commonly use recirculating ball steering because it’s robust, copes well with impacts off-road, and handles higher front axle loads. Rack-and-pinion systems use flexible bellows (rack-boots) to keep grit and water out of the rack bar and inner joints. With a steering box and linkage setup instead, the Pajero protects its moving joints with small dust boots on tie-rod ends and the idler arm, and by sealing the steering box itself.

Owners chasing “rack-boots” for a 1989 Pajero will want to inspect and replace these items instead when servicing:

• Tie-rod end dust boots (both sides of the relay/centre link)
• Idler arm bush/bearing and its dust boot
• Pitman arm and steering box for play and oil leaks (seal condition)
• While there, eyeball front lower/upper ball joint boots and front CV boots, as they often cop the same off-road abuse

For Aussie and Kiwi conditions, it’s smart to check those boots every 10,000–15,000 kilometres or after muddy or sandy trips. Any split, perished or greasy boot should be replaced promptly to keep water and grit out of the joint and to maintain tidy steering feel and tyre wear. Using quality components and correct torque on reassembly helps the Pajero track straight and pass WOF/roadworthy inspections without drama.

Popular questions

Does a 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero have steering rack-boots?
No. The 1989 Pajero uses a recirculating ball steering gearbox with a pitman arm and idler arm, not a rack-and-pinion unit. Factory service literature and parts catalogues for 1982–1991 Pajero models confirm there are no steering rack bellows on this vehicle.

What boots should be checked instead on a 1989 Pajero’s steering?
Focus on the tie-rod end dust boots and the idler arm boot/bush, and inspect the steering box for leaks or play. Given typical off-road use in Australia and New Zealand, it’s also worth checking front ball joint boots and CV boots at the same time.

Can a 1989 Pajero be converted to rack-and-pinion to use rack-boots?
It’s not a practical or common conversion. It would require major fabrication, compliance considerations (ADR/WOF), and re-engineering of steering geometry. Maintaining the original steering box and linkage with fresh boots and bushes is the sensible, road-legal approach.