Parts for your 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero-Power steering hose

1996 Mitsubishi Pajero Power Steering Hose — purpose, care and replacement

Yes, the 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero is fitted with hydraulic power steering that uses both a high-pressure hose and a low-pressure return hose. This is confirmed by Mitsubishi’s factory Service Manual (Group 37A: Power Steering), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for NK/NL models, and Australian parts catalogues from Gates and Dayco that list pressure hose assemblies for 1996 Pajero variants. With a belt-driven pump feeding a recirculating-ball steering box, hoses are essential to move fluid between the pump, steering gear, reservoir and cooler loop.

The power steering hose’s job is simple but critical: the high-pressure line carries pressurised ATF from the pump to the steering box so the wheel turns with minimal effort, and the return hose takes fluid back to the reservoir for cooling and reuse. On a working 1996 Pajero, that means lighter steering around town and confident control on corrugated tracks.

Because these hoses live near heat, vibration and road grime, they age. As part of regular servicing, they should be inspected every 10,000 km or six months. Look for:

• Wetness or seepage at crimp joints and banjo fittings
• Cracked or swollen rubber, or chafing on the chassis
• Red ATF drips under the front crossmember, heavy steering, or pump whine

Replacement is straight-forward for a competent tech. Clean the area first, then swap the hose without twisting it, reusing the original routing and heat shields. Always fit new O-rings or copper sealing washers, and torque banjo bolts to spec from the service manual. Refill with the recommended ATF (Mitsubishi specifies Dexron II/III—check the reservoir cap) and bleed by turning the steering from lock to lock with the front wheels off the ground. Keep the fluid between the HOT and COLD marks depending on temperature, and avoid aeration by taking it slow.

Good practice during replacement:

• Cap open lines to keep dust out and prevent spills
• Inspect the reservoir filter and cooler loop for blockages
• Dispose of old ATF responsibly and check for leaks after a short drive

Note: hose part numbers and routing differ across engines (e.g., 4M40 diesel vs 6G7x petrol) and build dates, so matching the hose to the exact VIN is the safest bet.

Popular questions about 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero power steering hoses

What fluid should go in the 1996 Pajero’s power steering?
Mitsubishi specifies ATF—typically Dexron II or Dexron III—for the Gen 2 Pajero’s power steering. The quickest check is the reservoir cap and the Service Manual spec. Mixing fluids can cause seal swell and noise, so it’s best to stick with the listed ATF and keep the level on mark.

How do you bleed the power steering after a hose change?
With the front wheels off the ground, fill the reservoir to the COLD mark, then turn the wheel slowly from lock to lock 10–20 times with the engine off. Top up, start the engine, and repeat until bubbles are gone and the fluid isn’t foaming. Recheck levels after a short road test and again the next day.

When should the hoses be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre interval—condition rules. Replace any hose that’s damp at the crimp, cracked, swollen, or rubbing on the body. Many Pajeros still running original hoses are well past their best, proactive replacement can save a pump or steering box from running dry.