Parts for your 2006 Nissan Navara-Suspension bushes

2006 Nissan Navara suspension-bushes

Technical references confirm the 2006 Nissan Navara (D40) is fitted with multiple suspension bushes. The Nissan D40 Series Service Manual lists front upper and lower control arm bushes and stabiliser (sway) bar bushes in the Front Suspension (FSU) section, and rear leaf-spring eye and shackle bushes in the Rear Suspension (RSU) section. Genuine parts catalogues and common aftermarket listings (e.g., Nolathane and SuperPro kits for D40, 2005–2015) also specify replacement bushes for this model. So, suspension bushes are absolutely relevant to the 2006 Navara.

On a 2006 Navara, suspension bushes are the quiet heroes that keep the ute riding smoothly while handling rough tracks and daily duties. They’re the rubber or polyurethane inserts that sit in control arms, leaf-spring eyes and shackles, and sway bar mounts. Their job is to isolate noise and vibration, allow controlled movement in the suspension, and keep wheel alignment stable under brakes, load and corrugations.

Front-end bushes (upper and lower control arm) help maintain camber and caster so the tyres wear evenly and the steering stays true. At the back, leaf-spring eye and shackle bushes let the springs flex without transferring harshness into the cab. Sway bar D-bushes and link bushes reduce body roll. Some variants also have rear sway bar bushes.

Typical signs the bushes are on the way out include:

• Clunks or squeaks over speed bumps or corrugations
• Wandering steering, tramlining, or vague turn-in
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear, especially on the edges
• Vibration under braking or when loaded
• Visible cracks, perishing, or torn lips on the bushes

As part of regular servicing, a quick look every 20,000 km (or annually) is smart, halve that interval if the ute tows, carries heavy loads, or sees a lot of bush-bashing. Check for split rubber, shiny metal where movement shouldn’t be, and oil contamination that can soften OE rubber. Don’t forget sway bar D-bushes and links—small parts that cause big noises when worn.

When replacing, it pays to:

• Torque bush bolts at normal ride height so the bush isn’t preloaded
• Book a wheel alignment after front control arm or strut work
• Consider polyurethane for sharper handling and longevity, or stick with OE-style rubber for comfort and low NVH
• Inspect related hardware—bolts, sleeves, shackles, U-bolts, and sway bar links

A tidy bush refresh restores steering feel, protects tyres, and can prevent a fail at roadworthy/WOF time—worth doing before that next long haul or off-road getaway.

Popular questions about 2006 Nissan Navara suspension-bushes

How often should the bushes be replaced on a D40?
There’s no fixed kilometre lifespan because use varies. Many Navaras will see front control arm and rear leaf bushes last 120,000–200,000 km in gentle use, but heavy loads, towing, oil leaks, and gravel roads can shorten that considerably. Best practice is to inspect at every service and replace when cracking, movement, or alignment issues appear.

Are polyurethane bushes better than rubber on a Navara?
Poly bushes typically offer crisper steering and longer life, handy for towing and off-road. They can add a touch more vibration or noise. OE-style rubber keeps the ride plush and quiet. For a daily-driven ute that tours, a mix works well—poly in sway bars and selected control arm points, rubber in areas most sensitive to NVH.

Do I need a wheel alignment after bush replacement?
Yes—any front control arm or strut work changes geometry. Get a full alignment once the vehicle is on the ground at normal ride height. After rear leaf-spring bush or shackle work, an alignment check is still sensible to confirm thrust angle and steering-centre.