Parts for your 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero-Rack boots

2006 Mitsubishi Pajero rack-boots — are they actually a thing on this model?

Short answer: no — rack-boots aren’t used on the 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero. According to the Mitsubishi factory service manual for NM–NS series (covering early 2000s through 2006) and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue, this Pajero runs a recirculating-ball steering gearbox with a pitman arm, idler arm, centre/relay rod and tie-rod ends, not a rack-and-pinion setup. Because there’s no steering rack, there are no rack bellows (rack-boots) on this vehicle.

That design choice is common on serious 4x4s. A steering box and linkage system copes well with higher front-end loads, big tyres and off-road knocks. It also packages neatly around the Pajero’s independent front suspension and front diff. Where a passenger car’s rack-and-pinion uses rubber bellows (rack-boots) to keep dust and water off the inner tie-rods and rack bar, the Pajero’s steering components are protected differently: by dust boots on the tie-rod ends and seals/bushes within the idler arm and steering box.

If someone’s hunting for “rack-boots” for this model, what they likely need instead are:

• Tie-rod end dust boots (inner and outer ends, depending on wear)
• Idler arm bushes or complete idler arm assembly
• Steering box sector shaft seal or input shaft seal, if there’s fluid weep

Good workshop practice on a 2006 Pajero is to inspect the steering linkage at each service or every 10,000–15,000 km, especially if it sees corrugations, beach work or water crossings. Look for cracked or perished tie-rod end boots, play in the idler arm, and any free play at the wheel with the engine off. Greasing serviceable joints (if fitted with grease nipples) helps longevity, and a quick check of power steering fluid level and condition under the bonnet is worth doing. If a boot is torn, replace it promptly—contamination leads to rapid joint wear. After any steering work, a proper wheel alignment is a must to protect tyres and keep the Pajero tracking sweet on-road.

Bottom line: there are no rack-boots on this Pajero, so parts searches should focus on tie-rod end boots, idler arm components and steering box seals for the right fix.

Popular questions about 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero “rack-boots”

Does a 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero have steering rack boots?
It doesn’t. This model uses a recirculating-ball steering box with linkage, not a rack-and-pinion. That means no rack bellows to replace. Instead, it has tie-rod end dust boots and an idler arm assembly that commonly needs attention as kilometres rack up.

What should be checked instead of rack-boots on a 2006 Pajero?
Focus on tie-rod end boots (inner and outer), idler arm play/bushes, the centre/relay rod, and any leaks from the steering box. If a boot is split or there’s free play, replace the affected component and get a wheel alignment.

How often should Pajero steering boots and links be inspected?
Every service or 10,000–15,000 km is a good rule of thumb, sooner if it’s doing regular off-road work or water crossings. Early fixes prevent accelerated wear and keep the steering tight and predictable.