Parts for your 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero-Power steering hose

1991 Mitsubishi Pajero Power-Steering Hose: What It Does and How to Look After It

Yes, the 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero uses a hydraulic power-steering system with hoses. Technical sources that confirm this include the 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero Factory Service Manual (Group 37 – Power Steering), the Mitsubishi ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue for 1991 models (Steering > Power Steering Piping), and the Haynes Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1983–1996 Repair Manual. These documents describe a belt-driven hydraulic pump feeding a steering gearbox via a high‑pressure hose, with a low‑pressure return hose sending fluid back to the reservoir.

On this Pajero, the power‑steering hose set does a simple but vital job: carry pressurised ATF from the pump to the steering box so the wheel feels light at parking speeds, then return fluid for cooling and recirculation. The high‑pressure line is reinforced and crimped, the return is a lower‑pressure rubber hose. Age, heat from the engine bay, and movement over rough tracks can make hoses sweat, crack, or weep at crimped ends and banjo fittings.

Good servicing keeps the steering light, quiet, and leak‑free. It’s smart to inspect the hoses at each service or every 10,000 km. Look for dampness around crimps, chafe points on the chassis, swollen sections, or red ATF spots under the front crossmember. If there’s any sign of a leak, replace the affected hose—don’t just top up fluid and hope for the best.

When replacing, choose a quality hose made for the exact engine/steering layout (diesel or V6 routing differs). Replace copper washers on banjo bolts and any O‑rings the manual specifies. Use a flare spanner on hard lines to avoid rounding, and don’t twist the hose during fitment. The system uses ATF to Dexron II/III spec (as per the Mitsubishi service manual), so refill with the correct fluid.

Bleeding after hose replacement is straightforward:

• With the front wheels off the ground, fill the reservoir and slowly turn lock‑to‑lock with the engine off.
• Top up, start the engine briefly, turn lock‑to‑lock again, and recheck fluid. Repeat until bubbles are gone and the level stabilises.

Tell‑tale signs of a failing hose include heavy steering at idle, pump whine, and fluid on the steering box or undertray. Sorting the hose promptly protects the pump and keeps the Pajero steering sweet for many more kilometres.

Popular questions about 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero power‑steering hose

What fluid should go in the 1991 Pajero’s power steering?
Mitsubishi specifies ATF meeting Dexron II or Dexron III for this generation. Using the right fluid helps prevent pump noise, seal swell, and sluggish steering on cold mornings. If mixing is unknown, it’s best to flush and refill with fresh ATF to the correct spec.

How can someone tell if the high‑pressure hose is failing?
Common clues are a faint red ATF mist near the crimp, wet patches around the pump or steering box, and a burning‑oil smell after a drive. The steering may feel heavier and the pump may whine as air enters. Any bulge in the hose under load is a red flag—replace immediately.

Can the return hose be replaced with generic power‑steering return hose?
Yes, the low‑pressure return side can typically use quality power‑steering return hose of the correct diameter and heat rating, routed like the original and secured with proper clamps. The high‑pressure hose, however, must be a purpose‑built, crimped assembly rated for steering pressures on the Pajero.