Parts for your 2001 Nissan Navara-Control arms

2001 Nissan Navara Control Arms — What They Do and When to Replace

Yes, the 2001 Nissan Navara (D22) does use control arms. The front suspension is an independent double-wishbone setup with torsion bars, featuring upper and lower control arms and ball joints. This layout is documented in the Nissan D22 (Navara/Frontier) Service Manual under the front suspension sections, and is mirrored in parts listings from the Nissan FAST parts catalogue, which show upper and lower link assemblies and associated bushes and ball joints. The rear of the D22 uses leaf springs, so there are no rear control arms.

On the road, those front control arms keep the hubs and wheels tracking true through bumps and cornering. They set camber and caster via their pivots and bushes, and work with the torsion bars and shocks to manage ride and steering feel. On a hard-working Kiwi or Aussie Navara that tows, hauls, or sees corrugated gravel, the rubber bushes and ball joints in these arms are genuine wear items.

Servicing is straightforward. At each service or roughly every 10–15,000 km, a technician should visually check the arm bushes for cracking, splitting, or oil-soaked rubber, and lever-test for excess movement. Ball joints should be checked for play and torn dust boots. Because the D22 uses torsion bars, ride height affects alignment, so any arm or bush replacement should be followed by a proper wheel alignment.

Common signs the control arms or their components need attention include:

• Clunks, knocks, or creaks over bumps or when braking
• Steering wander, shimmy, or a vague on-centre feel
• Uneven tyre wear (feathering or rapid inner/outer shoulder wear)
• Pulling under braking or inconsistent camber

When it’s time to replace, many workshops recommend doing bushes or complete arms in axle pairs (both sides) to keep handling consistent. If the ball joints are worn, replace them at the same time to save labour down the track. Off-road or salted/coastal use? Add an extra inspection between services, and consider quality OE-equivalent bushes and joints. After any arm, bush, or ball joint work: torque fasteners at ride height, reset torsion bar preload if disturbed, and book in that alignment. Treated right, a D22’s front end stays tight, tracks straight, and looks after its tyres.

Technical sources referenced: Nissan D22 (Navara/Frontier) Service Manual – Front Suspension sections, Nissan FAST parts catalogue for D22 front suspension components, aftermarket workshop manuals covering D22 front IFS with upper/lower control arms and torsion bars.

FAQs

Does a 2001 Navara have control arms front and rear?
The 2001 D22 Navara has upper and lower control arms in the front independent suspension. The rear is a live axle on leaf springs, so no rear control arms are fitted. That mix gives decent ride and steering up front with load-carrying strength down the back.

How long do control arm bushes and ball joints last?
On-road utes often see 100–150,000 km from original bushes and ball joints, but heavy towing, corrugations, bigger tyres, or harsh environments can shorten that. Regular inspections catch early play or torn boots so parts can be swapped before tyres or steering suffer.

Can you replace just the bushes, or do you need complete arms?
Both approaches are common. Pressing in quality bushes is cost-effective if the arm itself is sound. If the arm is bent, corroded, or the ball joint’s also due, complete arms can save time and deliver a fresh start. Either way, finish with a wheel alignment.