Parts for your 1993 Mitsubishi Pajero-Power steering fluid

1993 Mitsubishi Pajero power steering fluid

Yes — the 1993 Mitsubishi Pajero (V20 series) uses hydraulic power steering and therefore requires power steering fluid. Technical references that confirm this include the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual (V20, Group 37 – Steering), the 1993 Pajero Owner’s Handbook, and the Haynes Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero manual (1983–1997). These sources specify automatic transmission fluid meeting DEXRON II (or later DEXRON III) as the correct fluid for the power steering system.

On this Pajero, power steering fluid does the heavy lifting behind that easy, low-effort wheel feel. It transfers hydraulic pressure from the belt-driven pump to the steering box, lubricates internal components, and helps manage heat and noise. When the fluid gets old or contaminated, assistance drops off, the pump can whine, and steering effort creeps up — none of which is ideal on a long Kiwi or Aussie road trip, or when crawling up a rutted track.

For routine servicing of a 1993 Pajero’s power steering, it’s smart to treat the fluid like any other service item. While many factory schedules call for inspection rather than a fixed interval, a practical approach is a fluid exchange every 2–3 years or around 40,000–60,000 km, especially if the vehicle tows, sees off-road work, or copes with hot climates. Always use ATF that meets DEXRON II or III, as noted in the workshop and owner references, and avoid mixing unknown fluid types.

• Check level on level ground with the engine off, use the reservoir dipstick/cap marks. Top up only with DEXRON II/III ATF.
• Inspect the drive belt for cracks or glazing, and check hoses and clamps for seepage or sweating, replace any perished lines.
• If the fluid looks dark, smells burnt, or shows fine metallic shimmer, plan a fluid exchange. A simple method is to turkey-baste the reservoir and refill a few times between drives, or have a shop perform a full exchange.
• After refilling, bleed air by turning the steering from lock to lock several times with the engine running (front wheels off the ground helps). Watch for foaming, recheck the level.
• If assistance is intermittent or noisy even with fresh fluid, have the pump and steering box checked for wear as outlined in the Mitsubishi workshop manual (Group 37 – Steering).

Keeping the right ATF in top nick keeps the pump quiet, the steering light, and the Pajero pointing exactly where it’s told — whether it’s the daily commute or a dusty backroad run.

Popular questions

What fluid does a 1993 Mitsubishi Pajero power steering system take?
The factory documentation specifies ATF that meets DEXRON II (DEXRON III acceptable). Many Pajero reservoirs are even labelled “Use ATF only.” Avoid generic “power steering fluid” unless it explicitly states DEXRON II/III compatibility.

How often should the power steering fluid be changed on a 1993 Pajero?
Mitsubishi literature focuses on inspection, but for real-world reliability a 2–3 yearly exchange (or 40,000–60,000 km) works well. Off-road use, frequent towing, or hot conditions justify shorter intervals. If the fluid darkens, smells burnt, or the pump whines, change it sooner.

How is air bled from the Pajero’s power steering after a fluid change?
Top up the reservoir, start the engine, and slowly turn the wheel from lock to lock several times. Keeping the front wheels off the ground makes it gentler on the pump. Let any foam settle, recheck the level, and repeat until the fluid runs clear and quiet with no bubbles.