Parts for your 1997 Nissan Navara-Strut mounts

1997 Nissan Navara strut-mounts — are they used on this ute?

Short answer: strut-mounts aren’t used on the 1997 Nissan Navara. The D22-platform Navara (launched in 1997) runs an independent double-wishbone front end, with a separate shock absorber and either a torsion bar (common on 4x4) or a coil spring (some 4x2 variants). There’s no MacPherson strut up front, so there’s no strut top or strut-mount to replace.

Technical sources back this up: the Nissan D22 Series Service Manual (Front Axle/Suspension section) specifies a double-wishbone design with separate shocks and torsion bars/coils, the Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue (front suspension groups) lists shock insulators/bushes but no strut top mount, and general repair manuals for the D22/Frontier (e.g., Haynes and Gregory’s) describe the same layout and explicitly note that MacPherson struts are not used.

Why no strut-mounts? MacPherson struts use a top mount and bearing to let the whole strut pivot for steering and carry vehicle loads. The 1997 Navara’s double-wishbone setup carries loads through the upper and lower control arms, while the steering knuckle pivots on ball joints. The shock absorber isn’t a structural member, it damps movement only, so it uses simple rubber bushes at the top and bottom rather than a strut top bearing plate. This design suits a body-on-frame ute, giving robust load paths, good ground clearance and durable service in Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

If there’s a front-end clunk or vague steering, don’t go hunting for strut-mounts—check the real culprits on a ’97 Navara:

• Front shock absorber upper and lower bushes (look for cracking, perishing or movement)
• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway) bar D-bushes and links
• Steering idler arm and tie-rod ends
• Torsion bar anchors/adjusters (on 4x4) and front wheel alignment settings

Good practice for servicing this model is to inspect those items every 20,000 km or annually, replace any split or oil-soaked bushes, and torque fasteners with the vehicle at normal ride height. After any control arm or steering work, book in a proper alignment. If the shocks are weeping or the ute bounces more than once after a shove, replace the shocks in axle pairs and fit new bushes and washers—no special “strut-mount” kit needed.

Technical references: Nissan D22 Series Service Manual (Front Axle & Suspension/Front Suspension sections), Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue for D22 front suspension groups, Gregory’s and Haynes repair manuals covering D22/Frontier platforms.

Popular questions about 1997 Nissan Navara strut-mounts

Does a 1997 Nissan Navara have strut-mounts?
No. The 1997 Navara (D22) uses a double-wishbone front suspension with separate shocks and torsion bars or coils, so there’s no MacPherson strut and no strut top mount to replace.

What should be checked instead of strut-mounts on a ’97 Navara?
Focus on the upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints, front shock absorber bushes, sway bar D-bushes and links, plus steering gear like the idler arm and tie-rod ends. These are the usual sources of knocks, play or tyre wear on this model.

How can someone tell if the front shock bushes are worn?
Listen for a light clunk over small bumps and look for crushed, split or perished rubber at the shock’s upper stud. A bounce test that gives more than one rebound, or visible oil misting on the shock body, also points to shock and bush replacement time.