Parts for your 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero-Power steering fluid

2001 Mitsubishi Pajero power-steering-fluid

For the 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero (NM/NP), power-steering fluid is absolutely relevant and used. Mitsubishi’s factory documentation confirms this: the Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual (2000–2006, Group 37A – Power Steering) details a conventional hydraulic power-steering system with a belt-driven pump and steering gear that rely on fluid pressure. The 2001 Owner’s Manual specifies automatic transmission fluid meeting Dexron II or Dexron III for the power-steering reservoir. Independent references like Haynes’ Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero/Shogun coverage from the same era echo the same requirement. So yes—this model uses hydraulic power-steering fluid, and it matters.

In this Pajero, the fluid does three big jobs: it transmits hydraulic assist so the wheel feels lighter at parking speeds, it lubricates and protects the pump and steering gear, and it carries away heat and contaminants. When the fluid gets old or contaminated, the pump can get noisy, the steering can feel heavy or notchy, and seals may start to weep.

Mitsubishi doesn’t set a strict replacement interval in the owner schedule, but it does call for level and condition checks. As a practical rule for Aussie and Kiwi conditions, a preventative fluid exchange every 60,000–100,000 km (or 3–5 years), or sooner if the fluid is dark or smells burnt, keeps the system happy. Always use ATF that meets Dexron II or Dexron III as specified in Mitsubishi literature—don’t mix with other types, and never use brake fluid.

• Checks at each service: verify level on the cap dipstick (cold/hot marks), look for leaks around the pump, hoses, and rack boots, and inspect fluid colour—healthy should be red and clear.
• When to change: fluid that’s brown/black, foamy, or smells burnt, whining from the pump, heavy steering, or after steering component work.
• How it’s done: a full exchange via the return hose is best. Safely raise the front wheels, catch the old fluid, and feed fresh Dexron II/III while briefly running and turning lock-to-lock—never let the pump run dry. A partial “turkey baster” top-down refresh over a few services is a gentler alternative.
• Capacity guide: allow roughly 1 litre for a complete exchange, then bleed by slowly turning the wheel side-to-side with the engine idling, rechecking to the HOT mark after a short drive.

Look after the fluid and this Pajero’s steering stays light, quiet, and dependable on-road or off the beaten track.

Popular questions about 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero power-steering-fluid

What fluid type should be used?
The 2001 Pajero uses automatic transmission fluid meeting Dexron II or Dexron III in the power-steering reservoir, as stated in Mitsubishi’s Workshop Manual and Owner’s Manual for the NM/NP series. It’s not a separate “PSF-only” spec—use a quality Dexron II/III ATF from a reputable brand and avoid mixing types.

How often should the power-steering fluid be changed?
There’s no hard-and-fast interval in the factory service schedule. A sensible approach is to inspect at every service and replace the fluid every 60,000–100,000 km (or 3–5 years), or any time it looks dark, smells burnt, turns foamy, or if the steering gets noisy or heavy.

What are signs the fluid is low or worn out?
Common clues include a whining or groaning sound when turning, heavier steering effort, bubbles or foaming in the reservoir, and fluid leaks around hoses, the pump, or rack boots. If any of these show up, check the level on the dipstick and the fluid’s colour right away.