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Parts for your 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero-Rack boots
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2002 Mitsubishi Pajero rack-boots: purpose, care, and when to replace
Technical sources confirm the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero (NM/NP) uses a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering gear with flexible bellows (rack boots, also called gaiters) on each side. See: Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 2000–2006 Workshop Manual, Group 37A – Power Steering, and the Mitsubishi ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue for V6/V7-series Pajero, which lists steering gear boots/bellows and clamps for this model.
On this Pajero, the rack boots seal the ends of the steering rack and cover the inner tie rods. Their job is to keep dust, water, and grit out while holding grease in. If a boot splits, contamination can chew out the rack seals and inner joints, leak grease, and eventually turn into heavy steering, play at the wheel, or a messy power-steering leak. It’s also a common WOF/roadworthy fail in AU/NZ when torn.
As part of regular servicing, they’re worth a look every 10,000–15,000 km or at each oil change. With the wheels turned to full lock, a quick visual under the front shows if a boot is cracked, perished, or oily. Any dampness inside a boot suggests a leaking rack seal, which needs attention beyond just the boot.
Replacement is straightforward if caught early. A tech will:
- Mark and loosen the tie-rod locknut, remove the outer tie-rod end from the knuckle, and slide off the old boot.
- Inspect the inner tie rod and rack surface, re-grease as required, then fit the new boot with proper clamps (not cable ties).
- Reassemble, set the locknut, and perform a wheel alignment.
Tips for owners:
- Replace boots in pairs if one has perished, the other won’t be far behind.
- Choose quality boots and OE-style clamps to keep a proper seal.
- If there’s fluid inside the boot, plan for rack seal or rack overhaul rather than just a boot swap.
Driving with a torn rack-boot isn’t wise in Aussie or Kiwi conditions—mud, beach sand, and water do quick damage. A fresh set of boots is cheap insurance against a costly steering rack replacement on a 2002 Pajero.
Popular questions about 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero rack-boots
Does a 2002 Pajero use rack-and-pinion steering or a steering box?
The 2002 Pajero (NM/NP) runs a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system, not a recirculating-ball steering box. That’s why it has rubber rack boots on each end of the rack housing. This is documented in the factory Workshop Manual (Power Steering section) and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue.
How often should rack boots be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. Inspect them at every service and replace at the first sign of cracking, splits, grease fling, or oil contamination. In harsher use—gravel roads, beach work, or lots of creek crossings—inspect more often.
Can someone keep driving with a torn rack-boot?
It’s best not to. A torn boot lets dirt and water in, which can ruin the rack’s seals and inner tie rods quickly. Short, gentle trips to a workshop are usually fine, but book a repair promptly to avoid a bigger bill and a potential WOF/roadworthy fail.
