Parts for your 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero-Steering rack

2005 Mitsubishi Pajero Steering Rack — What it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero is fitted with a power-assisted rack‑and‑pinion steering rack. This is confirmed by factory and aftermarket technical references, including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero NM/NP Workshop Manual (Group 37 Steering), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue (EPC) for NM/NP series, and popular service manuals used in AU/NZ such as Gregory’s/Haynes. Those sources show the 2000–2006 Pajero (Gen 3, NM/NP) uses rack‑and‑pinion rather than a recirculating ball box.

On this Pajero, the steering rack converts the rotation of the steering wheel into the side‑to‑side movement that steers the front wheels, with hydraulic power assist to keep things light. It’s designed to deliver precise feel on road while coping with rough tracks and corrugations. The rack houses inner tie rods and is protected by bellows boots, seals keep the fluid in and the grime out.

Over time, hard kilometres, dusty off‑road runs and heat can wear the inner joints and seals. Telltales include a weep of power steering fluid around the rack, play or clunks when rocking the wheel, heavier steering, a notchy feel on centre, uneven tyre wear, or boots torn from stick or stone damage.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to:

• Check rack boots for splits and replace promptly to prevent grit chewing out the inner joints.
• Inspect for moisture or oily residue at the pinion and end seals.
• Top up with the fluid grade specified in the owner’s handbook (commonly an ATF meeting the recommended spec) and bleed air after any work by turning lock‑to‑lock with the front wheels off the ground.
• Get a wheel alignment after any tie‑rod or rack work to protect your tyres.

When replacement is due, many owners choose a quality remanufactured rack with new seals and bushings, plus new inner/outer tie rods and fresh boots. A competent workshop will centre the steering, mark the intermediate shaft, cap the lines, swap the rack, torque the mounts, refill with the correct fluid, and perform an alignment. Budget half a day in the workshop, seized hardware can make it longer on older vehicles. If you hear new knocks or the wheel isn’t returning to centre after, get it rechecked—there’s no point chasing tracks with a crook alignment.

• Does a 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero have a steering rack or a steering box?
  It uses a power‑assisted rack‑and‑pinion steering rack. Factory manuals for the NM/NP series and AU/NZ parts catalogues list the rack assembly and related tie‑rod components.
• What are common signs the Pajero’s steering rack is worn?
  Fluid leaks at the rack, torn boots, free play or clunks, heavier or notchy steering, and uneven tyre wear are the big ones. Any of these warrant inspection before a big trip.
• How often should the power steering fluid be changed?
  Follow the owner’s handbook. Many workshops in AU/NZ suggest periodic fluid refreshes (every few years or as condition dictates) and bleeding after any line, pump or rack work to keep the assist smooth and quiet.