Parts for your 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero-Power steering pump

1999 Mitsubishi Pajero Power Steering Pump

The 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero is fitted with a hydraulic power steering pump. This is confirmed by the Mitsubishi Pajero NL (1997–1999) Factory Service Manual steering section, which specifies a belt-driven vane-type pump supplying assist pressure to the steering gear. The Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue also lists a dedicated power steering pump across the 1999 petrol and diesel variants, and aftermarket data (e.g., Haynes Repair Manual and Gates drive-belt catalogues) show the power steering pump as a belt-driven accessory on these engines.

For owners and workshops, that pump does plenty of heavy lifting. Its job is to circulate fluid under pressure so the Pajero’s recirculating-ball steering box gets smooth, consistent assist — whether crawling over corrugations out bush or squeezing into a tight park in town. A healthy pump keeps steering effort light and feedback predictable, even with bigger tyres and touring loads under the bonnet.

As part of routine servicing, it pays to keep an eye on the power steering fluid and drive belt. Fluid should be clean, bright and free of foam. Mitsubishi documentation for this era specifies ATF (DEXRON II/III) or Genuine Mitsubishi PSF depending on market, always match what’s on the reservoir cap or in the owner’s manual. If the fluid’s dark, smells burnt, or the steering groans when cold, a drain-and-fill or full flush is a smart preventative move. Many local techs recommend refreshing the fluid every 60,000 km or 2–3 years, particularly on vehicles that tow or see off-road work.

When the pump wears, it can whine, the wheel can feel heavier at idle, or you might spot leaks at the front shaft or hose unions. Replacement is straightforward for a competent home mechanic, but best practice is to renew the pump’s sealing washers/O-rings, inspect the belt and tensioner, and flush the return line so old debris can’t take out the new unit. After fitting, bleed the system by raising the front wheels, filling to the correct level, then turning lock-to-lock slowly with the engine off and then on, topping up as bubbles purge. Avoid holding the wheel hard against the stops. If assistance is still patchy after bleeding, check for air ingress on the suction hose and confirm the steering box isn’t the source of the issue.

• Common signs: whining or groaning, foamy fluid, heavy steering at idle, fluid leaks.
• Quick wins: use the specified ATF/PSF, renew the belt, and bleed carefully after any hose or pump work.

Popular questions about 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero power steering pumps

What fluid should a 1999 Pajero use in the power steering system?
For this model, Mitsubishi documentation specifies ATF (DEXRON II or DEXRON III) or Genuine Mitsubishi power steering fluid depending on market supply. Check the reservoir cap and the owner’s/service manual for the exact call-out. Mixing fluid types isn’t recommended, if unsure, drain and refill with fresh fluid that matches the specification on the cap/manual.

How do you bleed the power steering after replacing the pump?
Raise the front wheels, fill the reservoir to the mark, and with the engine off turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 10–15 times. Top up as the level drops. Start the engine and repeat the slow lock-to-lock turns, avoiding holding it at full lock. Keep topping up until there are no bubbles or foam and the fluid stays clear. Refit the cap and road test, then recheck the level.

How can you tell if the pump or the steering box is at fault?
A noisy whine that changes with engine speed, plus aerated fluid, usually points to the pump. Free play, uneven assist through the turn, or seepage from the box sector shaft can indicate steering box wear. Verify belt condition/tension, check for suction-side air leaks, and measure pump output pressure if you have workshop gear, otherwise, a specialist can pressure-test the system to pinpoint the culprit.