Parts for your 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero-Rack boots

1996 Mitsubishi Pajero rack boots — are they even a thing?

Short answer: no — a 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero doesn’t use rack boots. That model runs a power‑assisted recirculating‑ball steering box, not a rack‑and‑pinion setup. Rack boots (also called rack gaiters or bellows) only exist on vehicles with a steering rack, where the bellows protect the inner tie rods and keep the rack grease clean. Because the ’96 Pajero uses a steering gearbox with a pitman arm, idler arm, centre link and tie rod ends, there are no rack boots to replace.

That’s not just workshop folklore. Technical references back it up:

• Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Workshop Manual (1991–1998), Group 37 Steering — specifies a recirculating‑ball steering gear, no rack‑and‑pinion or rack gaiters are shown.
• Mitsubishi ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue for 1996 Pajero (V2/V4/V6/V7 series) — lists a steering gear box, pitman and idler arms, centre link and tie rod ends, no rack bellows are catalogued.
• Haynes Repair Manual, Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero 1992–1999, Steering chapter — identifies a recirculating‑ball system, not a rack‑and‑pinion.

Why Mitsubishi went this way comes down to durability and off‑road packaging. A recirculating‑ball box copes well with big tyres, rough tracks and steering shocks, which suits a proper 4x4 like a Gen‑2 Pajero.

If someone’s been told they need “rack boots” on a 1996 Pajero, it’s usually a parts-catalogue mix‑up or a generic listing. What they probably need checked are the dust boots on the serviceable steering joints that this Pajero actually has:

• Tie rod end dust boots (inner and outer)
• Idler arm bush/boot area
• Pitman arm and steering box shaft seals

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to:

1. Inspect all steering joint boots for splits or perishing — any tear lets grit in and grease out, which quickly wears the joint.
2. Check the idler arm for play and the centre link for free movement without binding.
3. Confirm there are no leaks at the steering box (input/output seals) and that the power steering fluid is clean and at the correct level.
4. After off‑road or beach work, rinse the underbody to reduce salt and grit attacking rubber boots.

For roadworthy/WOF, split dust boots or excess play will knock the Pajero back, even though there’s no “rack boot” to point at. Ask for the correct steering joint boots by name and spec the vehicle as a 1996 Pajero with a recirculating‑ball steering box to avoid the rack‑and‑pinion parts rabbit hole.

FAQs

Does a 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero have steering rack boots?

No. It uses a power‑assisted recirculating‑ball steering box with a pitman arm and idler arm, so there’s no steering rack and therefore no rack boots/gaiters to replace.

What should be checked instead of rack boots on a ’96 Pajero?

Focus on the dust boots for the tie rod ends, the idler arm area, and seals on the steering box. Any split boot or play can lead to wandering steering and can fail a WOF/roadworthy.

Why do some parts sites list rack boots for this model?

Many catalogues use generic categories. “Rack boot” is a catch‑all term that fits most cars, but not recirculating‑ball 4x4s like the 1996 Pajero. Specify the steering system when ordering to get the right boots and joints.