Parts for your 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero-Gas struts

2006 Mitsubishi Pajero gas struts

Gas struts are absolutely relevant on a 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero. Factory technical references — the Mitsubishi workshop manual (Body/Doors & Bonnet sections) and the ASA/EPC parts catalogue — specify a gas-charged damper for the side-hinged rear door, and most AU/NZ 2006 Pajeros are fitted with gas bonnet lift supports as well. Independent fitment guides from common OE suppliers also list bonnet and rear-door gas struts for this model year. So if the bonnet or rear door won’t stay put, the gas struts are the usual suspects.

On this Pajero, gas struts do two key jobs: they counterbalance weight and they control motion. The bonnet struts take the load so the bonnet lifts smoothly and stays up without a prop rod. The side-hinged rear door uses a single gas damper to moderate the swing of the heavy door (spare wheel and all), helping it open in a controlled way and resist sudden gusts of wind. Less effort, more safety.

They’re sealed, maintenance-free units, so servicing is really about inspection and timely replacement. During regular services, it’s worth checking that the bonnet lifts without a shove, stays up in warm and cool weather, and doesn’t droop. At the rear, the door should open evenly and resist slamming or runaway swing.

• Signs they’re due: the bonnet drops or won’t hold, the rear door swings too freely or won’t stay, visible oil mist on the strut rod, jerky movement, clunks at the ball joints.
• Replacement tips: support the bonnet or door with a prop before removing clips, replace bonnet struts as a pair for even force, the rear door typically uses a single damper — match the correct spec. Don’t lubricate the chrome rod, a dry, clean rod preserves the seals. A touch of silicone on the plastic sockets is fine, but keep oil away from the rod and seals.

Quality matters — pick OE or OE-equivalent units with the right Newton rating for your exact variant (verify via VIN in the parts catalogue). There’s no meaningful “re-gassing” for these, once they’re weak, they’re done. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many Pajero owners see 5–10 years from bonnet struts, while the rear-door damper lifespan varies with off-road use and how often the door is swung on slopes or in wind. If in doubt, swap them before they cause a bruised bonnet, a runaway door, or a strained hinge.

Where are the gas struts on a 2006 Pajero?

Most AU/NZ 2006 Pajeros have two gas struts on the bonnet. The rear door is side-hinged and uses a single gas damper to control swing and hold the door steady. Some base trims elsewhere may have a bonnet prop rod, so a quick look under the bonnet will confirm what’s fitted.

How often should Pajero gas struts be replaced, and do they need to be done in pairs?

They’re typically good for 5–10 years, but heat, dust, and heavy use shorten that. Replace bonnet struts in pairs so the lifting force stays balanced. The rear door normally uses one damper — replace it if it’s weak, leaking, or the door behaves erratically.

Can Pajero gas struts be serviced or re-gassed?

No — they’re sealed units. Re-gassing isn’t a reliable fix. Replace with the correct-rated struts. Avoid spraying lubricant on the rod, just keep it clean. If the sockets creak, a tiny dab of silicone on the sockets (not the rod) is fine.