Parts for your 1998 Nissan Navara-Control arms

1998 Nissan Navara control-arms: what they do and how to look after them

Technical references including the Nissan D22 Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension/FSU and FA sections, circa 1997–2001), the Haynes Nissan Pick-ups/Pathfinder manual covering D22, and major suspension catalogues for D22 (listing upper and lower arm bushes and ball joints) confirm that the 1998 Nissan Navara (D22) runs a double‑wishbone front end with upper and lower control arms and torsion bars. The rear is a live axle on leaf springs, so no rear control-arms are used.

On the front of a ’98 Navara, the control arms locate the hub and knuckle, set camber and caster, and let the suspension move in a controlled arc. The lower arm carries the torsion bar load, the upper arm works with the lower to keep tyre contact consistent. Bushes isolate vibration, while the ball joints allow smooth steering and vertical movement. Healthy control arms help the ute track straight, brake cleanly, and wear tyres evenly whether it’s on corrugations, towing, or commuting.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the control-arm bushes and ball joints every 10,000–20,000 km, or sooner after heavy off‑road use. Tell‑tale signs of wear include clunks over bumps, steering wander, shimmy, uneven or rapid tyre wear, and braking pull. Look for cracked or oil‑soaked rubber bushes, torn ball joint boots, rust around arm mounts, and seized or eccentric camber bolts. Because the rear uses leaf springs, focus these checks on the front end.

When replacement is due, many owners swap bushes and ball joints rather than complete arms, unless the arm itself is bent or corroded. Rubber bushes keep factory comfort, polyurethane can sharpen steering feel but may add a touch more NVH. Always de‑tension the torsion bar safely per the factory manual before removing the lower arm. Refit with new hardware where required, torque all pivot bolts at normal ride height, and book a proper wheel alignment (camber, caster, toe) straight after. If camber bolts are seized, plan on replacements. Aftermarket greasable ball joints can be handy for rough‑country utes, just keep up with periodic greasing. Done right, front control-arms on a D22 will handle Kiwi and Aussie roads for years.

Does a 1998 Navara have front and rear control arms?

Yes up front, no down back. Technical sources for the D22 platform specify a double‑wishbone front with upper and lower control arms and torsion bars. The rear is a solid axle on leaf springs, which controls axle location without separate control arms.

How long do Navara D22 control-arm bushes and ball joints last?

It varies with load and terrain, but many see 80,000–150,000 km before noticeable play. Frequent corrugations, beach work, or big tyres can shorten that. If clunks, wander, or tyre wear appear, inspect sooner and align after any front-end work.

Can a home mechanic replace the front control-arm components?

Yes, with the right tools and care. Support the ute securely, safely de‑tension the torsion bar, use a proper ball‑joint separator, and follow factory torque specs. Finish with a professional alignment to set camber and caster correctly.