Parts for your 1997 Nissan Navara-Control arms

1997 Nissan Navara Control Arms — What They Do and How to Look After Them

Based on the Nissan D22 Series Workshop Manual (covering the 1997 Navara) and Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue, the 1997 Nissan Navara runs independent double‑wishbone front suspension with upper and lower control arms (also called upper and lower links). Springing is by torsion bars on most 4x4 and many 4x2 variants. The rear is a live axle on leaf springs, so there are no rear control arms. That makes control arms absolutely relevant for the front end of a ’97 Navara.

The control arms keep the front hubs located through their travel, controlling camber and caster while the torsion bars carry the vehicle’s weight. Each arm pivots on rubber or polyurethane bushes at the chassis and connects to the steering knuckle via a ball joint. Healthy bushes and ball joints mean straight tracking, even tyre wear and a planted feel on corrugations or when towing.

For servicing, it’s smart to inspect the control arm bushes and ball joints at each routine service or at least every 20,000 km. Look for cracked or oil‑soaked bushes, torn dust boots, rust streaks around joints, clunks on braking or over bumps, steering wander and feathered tyres. Any play at the ball joint or excessive bushing movement means it’s time for parts.

When replacing, owners can choose complete arms (often quickest and includes new bushes/ball joints) or press in new bushes and fit new ball joints. Aftermarket heavy‑duty rubber suits touring and work utes, polyurethane can sharpen steering but may add a bit of NVH and needs the right grease. Always torque pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid pre‑loading the bushes, and get a wheel alignment straight after.

Important safety tip: the lower arm is under torsion bar load. Before removing it, safely unload the torsion bar per the workshop manual. Use quality components and new hardware where specified, and recheck torques after a few hundred kilometres, especially if the ute sees off‑road work.

• Common symptoms: uneven tyre wear, clunks, steering shimmy, vague turn‑in.
• Service rhythm: inspect every 20,000 km, replace as needed, typically 150,000–250,000 km depending on use.
• Finish with alignment and, if lifting or lowering, reset torsion bars and re‑align.

Looked after properly, the Navara’s front control arms handle Aussie and Kiwi roads and tracks with ease, keeping the D22 pointing true and riding nicely.

Popular questions about 1997 Nissan Navara control arms

Does a 1997 Navara have upper and lower control arms?
Yes. The D22 front end is a double‑wishbone design with upper and lower control arms and torsion bars on most variants. The rear is leaf‑sprung without control arms.

How often should bushes and ball joints be replaced?
Inspect every 20,000 km and replace when there’s visible damage, looseness or noise. Many see 150,000–250,000 km, but heavy loads, corrugations and mud can shorten that interval.

Are polyurethane bushes a good idea?
They can sharpen steering and last well, but may transmit more vibration. Use the correct grease, and always torque pivots at ride height. For touring/work use, heavy‑duty rubber is a solid, comfy option.