Parts for your 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero-Rack boots

2004 Mitsubishi Pajero rack-boots (steering rack gaiters)

Technical sources confirm the 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero (NM/NP series, V60/V70) uses a power‑assisted rack‑and‑pinion steering gear with bellows‑type protective covers, commonly called rack boots or gaiters. The Mitsubishi Pajero NM/NP Factory Service Manual (Group 37/37A: Power Steering) illustrates bellows boots on each end of the rack, and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for 2000–2006 Pajero lists the steering gear bellows/boots and clamps for this model year. Major aftermarket parts catalogues for the NM/NP Pajero also supply rack boot kits, which further confirms they’re fitted to the 2004 vehicle.

On a 2004 Pajero, the rack boots do the quiet but crucial work of sealing out grit, mud and water from the steering rack bar and inner tie rods, while letting the rack travel freely. They help keep the inner joints clean and lubricated, protect rack seals, and preserve that smooth, confident steering feel the NM/NP is known for. Given how many Pajeros tackle corrugations, creek crossings and beach runs across Australia and New Zealand, these boots cop a tough life from UV, stones and road grime.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the rack boots every service or roughly every 10–15,000 kilometres. Turn the steering lock‑to‑lock and look for fine cracking, splits at the concertinas, loose or missing clamps, and any grease or oil contamination. A boot that looks swollen or wet with red/brown fluid can point to a power‑steering rack internal seal leak. If one boot is perished, consider replacing both sides so wear and service intervals stay in sync.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent tech: remove the tie‑rod end, slide off the old boot, clean the area, and fit a quality neoprene/TPE boot with the correct ear‑type or OEM clamps (skip cable ties). Keep any breather/vent path clear if the rack is designed for it. A small smear of grease on the inner joint ball is fine, but don’t pack the boot with grease—it’s a dust and splash barrier, not a grease reservoir. Any time the tie‑rods are disturbed, book a wheel alignment, counting threads only gets you close, not bang‑on. If the boot is filling with fluid, the real fix is rack seal repair or replacement, not just a new boot.

For off‑roaders, give the boots a look after big trips, water crossings or beach work. Catching a nick early can save a rack and avoid a WOF/roadworthy fail and a hefty bill down the track.

Does a 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero have rack boots?

Yes. The NM/NP Pajero uses a rack‑and‑pinion steering gear with bellows‑type rack boots on both ends to keep contaminants out and protect the inner tie rods and rack bar.

What are the signs the rack boots need replacing?

Look for splits or perishing in the concertina folds, loose or missing clamps, dirt inside the boot, or fluid swelling. You might notice vague steering or inner tie‑rod knock if contamination has progressed. A split boot is a WOF/roadworthy issue and should be sorted promptly.

Do you need a wheel alignment after changing rack boots?

Absolutely. Because the tie‑rod ends are removed or adjusted to fit the new boots, the toe setting will change. A proper alignment gets the Pajero tracking straight and protects your tyres.