Parts for your 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero-Rack boots

1992 Mitsubishi Pajero rack-boots — are they used?

For the 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero (V20 series), rack-boots aren’t relevant because that model doesn’t use a rack-and-pinion steering system. Technical literature identifies a recirculating ball (steering box) setup, so there’s no steering rack and therefore no rack bellows/boots to service. This is confirmed by Mitsubishi’s Pajero V2#/V4# Series Workshop Manual (Group 37A – Steering), which details a ball-nut steering gear with a pitman arm and idler arm, and by the Mitsubishi ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue listing the steering gear assembly and linkage (not a rack). Third-party manuals such as the Haynes Montero/Pajero 1983–1997 and Gregory’s guides also describe the steering as a box-and-linkage arrangement.

What’s fitted instead? The Pajero uses a power-assisted steering box connected to a centre/drag link, pitman arm, idler arm, and tie-rod assemblies. You’ll find dust boots on the tie-rod ends and ball joints, plus rubber bushes on the idler arm. Some owners mix up “rack-boots” with these dust boots or with CV boots on the front driveshafts, but they’re different parts doing different jobs.

• Steering components to inspect and service on a 1992 Pajero:
  • Tie-rod end dust boots (inner/outer) — replace if split or perished to keep grease in and grit out.
  • Idler arm bush/bearing — check for play, upgrade kits are common if there’s wobble.
  • Pitman arm and sector shaft area — look for oil seepage from steering box seals.
  • Centre/drag link and ball joints — check free play and boot condition.
  • Power steering hoses and pump — watch for leaks and belt condition.
  • Front CV boots (if 4WD engaged) — not steering, but often inspected at the same time.

If a parts catalogue shows “rack-boots” for a 1992 Pajero, it’s usually a generic listing or refers to different Pajero variants (like the later iO) that do run a steering rack. For this year and model, the correct maintenance path is inspecting and replacing tie-rod end boots, idler arm bushes, and steering box seals as needed, then getting a wheel alignment after any steering work.

Popular questions about 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero rack-boots

Do 1992 Pajeros have rack-and-pinion steering or rack-boots?
They run a recirculating ball steering box, not a rack-and-pinion. Because there’s no steering rack, there are no rack-boots to replace. Focus instead on the tie-rod end boots, idler arm, pitman arm, and the steering box for wear or leaks.

What “boots” should be checked on a 1992 Pajero’s steering?
Check the dust boots on the inner and outer tie-rod ends and any ball-jointed links in the steering. While you’re under the front, it’s smart to look at CV boots too. Any split or perished boot should be replaced promptly to avoid grit ingress and premature wear.

Can universal rack boots be fitted to stop a steering leak?
No. Universal rack boots won’t fit because there’s no steering rack. If there’s a leak, it’s usually from the steering box input/output seals or from hoses. The fix is a reseal or replacement of the correct components, not adding a boot.