Parts for your 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero-Gas struts

2000 Mitsubishi Pajero gas struts — what they do and when to replace them

Based on the Mitsubishi Pajero NM/NP workshop manual (Body section, Rear Door) and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for the NM series, the 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero uses a gas‑charged door stay/damper on the side‑hinged rear tailgate. This unit controls and supports the heavy door (spare wheel and all) as it swings open. The bonnet on this model is supported by a prop rod from factory, not gas struts, so the relevant gas‑strut application on a 2000 Pajero is the tailgate door stay/damper. Some variants may also use small gas stays for auxiliary openings depending on trim, but the key service item is the tailgate damper.

On this Pajero, the tailgate gas strut’s job is to steady the door as it opens, prevent sudden acceleration in wind or on angles, and hold the door in a controlled open position. That protects hinges, sheet metal and the latch, and it saves shoulders and shins in a gusty car park. Over time, the nitrogen charge and internal seals age, especially with plenty of off‑road dust, salt air, and temperature swings common across Australia and New Zealand.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to give the tailgate strut a quick once‑over. Wipe the shaft clean, check for oil misting around the seal, listen for graunchy or dry movement, and make sure the tailgate doesn’t drift or bounce. Inspect the ball studs and brackets for play or corrosion, and confirm the retaining clips are seated. Don’t lubricate the chrome shaft—just keep it clean, grease on the shaft can damage the seal.

• Replace the strut if the door won’t stay open on a slight incline or in a breeze.
• Swap it if you see oil weep, a bent rod, or hear hissing/straining noises.
• Cold‑weather fade that improves when warm is a classic sign it’s near the end.

When replacing, match the part to the VIN or model code—force rating matters because that tailgate carries a spare. Support the door securely (second person or a prop) before popping the clips and swapping the unit. If your Pajero happens to have two stays, replace them as a pair to keep the load balanced, most 2000 models use a single tailgate damper, so one quality unit is the go. There’s no fixed interval—many last 5–10 years—but a quick check every service will catch issues early and keep the tailgate behaving nicely on trips from the high country to the coast.

• Does the 2000 Pajero bonnet have gas struts?
  From factory, no—the bonnet uses a prop rod. The gas‑charged unit on this model is for the side‑hinged tailgate. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist if easier one‑handed opening is desired, but they’re not OEM.
• How do you choose the right tailgate strut?
  Use the VIN or NM series details to source the correct force rating and fittings. The spare wheel weight and trim level can affect spec, so avoid generic “close enough” options. Quality, vehicle‑specific units fit properly and last longer.
• Can Pajero gas struts be re‑gassed?
  Some specialists can re‑gas, but results vary and may be short‑lived if the seals are worn. For most owners, a new, correct‑spec replacement is the reliable, cost‑effective fix.