Parts for your 2003 Nissan Navara-Strut mounts

2003 Nissan Navara strut-mounts: are they used, and what to look for instead

For the 2003 Nissan Navara (D22 series), strut-mounts are not used. Technical sources including the Nissan Navara D22 Factory Service Manual (FA – Front Suspension, 2002–2004), the Nissan Frontier (D22) Factory Service Manual (1998–2004), and well-known workshop manuals for the D21/D22 ranges all specify a front suspension that’s double-wishbone with torsion bars (on most 4x4s) or double-wishbone with a separate coil or torsion arrangement on some 2WD variants, plus leaf springs at the rear. None of these setups use a MacPherson strut, so there’s no strut top bearing/insulator assembly—i.e., no “strut mount”.

Instead, the Navara’s front shock absorbers are standalone dampers mounted between the lower control arm and the chassis, secured with simple rubber bushes and washers. The upper and lower control arms carry the hub upright via ball joints, and ride height on 4x4 models is set by torsion bars. Because the shock is not a structural member of the suspension (unlike a true strut), there’s no strut tower mount to service or replace.

Owners chasing a front-end knock, squeak or vague steering feel on a 2003 Navara should focus on the parts that actually do the work:

• Upper and lower ball joints
• Control arm bushes
• Stabiliser (sway) bar links and bushes
• Shock absorber upper and lower bushes, and top nut torque
• Steering idler arm, pitman arm and tie-rod ends
• Front wheel bearings and hub preload

Common service actions include renewing worn control arm bushes and ball joints, replacing tired shocks and their rubber bushes, and checking/adjusting torsion bar ride height followed by a proper wheel alignment. If a parts catalogue lists “strut mounts” for a 2003 Navara, it’s usually a miscatalogue or confusion with later D40 models (from 2005) that use a coil-over front assembly with a top mount. Always confirm by VIN and chassis code (D22).

References (no links): Nissan Navara D22 Service Manual (FA – Front Suspension, 2002–2004), Nissan Frontier (D22) Factory Service Manual (1998–2004), Front Suspension, Gregory’s/Max Ellery’s Navara D21/D22 workshop manuals, Nissan Australia 2003 product and specification guides.

Popular questions about 2003 Nissan Navara strut-mounts

Does a 2003 Nissan Navara have strut mounts?

No. The D22 Navara uses double-wishbone front suspension with separate shock absorbers and torsion bars on most 4x4s, so there’s no MacPherson strut and no strut mount to replace.

What should be checked if the front end clunks on a 2003 Navara?

Look at upper/lower ball joints, control arm bushes, sway bar links and bushes, shock absorber bushes and top nut, steering idler arm and tie-rod ends, plus wheel bearings. These are the usual culprits on the D22.

Why do some parts sites list strut mounts for this model?

It’s generally a catalogue error or a carry-over from later D40 Navaras that use a coil-over assembly with a top mount. For a 2003 D22, order shock bushes or control arm/steering components instead, verified against the VIN.