Parts for your 2006 Nissan Navara-Wheel bearings

2006 Nissan Navara wheel bearings

Wheel bearings are absolutely fitted to the 2006 Nissan Navara. Nissan’s Factory Service Manuals for both the D22 and D40 series (Front Axle/Front Suspension and Rear Axle sections), along with the Nissan FAST parts catalogue and common workshop manuals, all specify front and rear wheel bearings for this model year. On D40s the front is typically a sealed hub bearing assembly, while many D22 fronts use serviceable tapered roller bearings. The rear on both platforms uses a pressed-on, sealed bearing on the live axle.

On a 2006 Navara, wheel bearings let each wheel spin freely while carrying the ute’s weight and coping with cornering and braking loads. They keep friction low and tyre wear even, and they’re critical for ABS and stability control to read wheel speed accurately. When bearings wear, you’ll often hear a dull hum that rises with road speed, feel vibration through the seat or wheel, or notice extra heat at the hub after a drive. Noise that gets louder when turning one way usually points to the opposite side bearing.

Servicing depends on which Navara it is. D40 front hubs are sealed units: when they develop play or noise, the whole hub/bearing assembly is replaced. D22 front hubs typically have tapered rollers that can be cleaned, inspected, repacked with high-temp wheel bearing grease, and adjusted for correct preload, then secured with the lock nut and split pin per the FSM. Rear bearings on both are sealed and pressed onto the axle shaft with a retaining collar, replacement needs a press and care not to damage the seal surface.

Smart maintenance for Aussie and Kiwi conditions includes inspecting for play and roughness at each service or 20,000 km, repacking D22 front bearings when brakes are off or after deep water crossings, and replacing any sealed unit that growls, leaks, or shows looseness. Use quality bearings (NTN, NSK, Timken) and always torque wheel nuts to spec—over-tightening can shorten bearing life.

Handy tips:

• A post-drive touch test can help—if one hub runs noticeably hotter, suspect that side.
• Avoid blasting hubs with a pressure washer, water ingress kills bearings fast.
• Follow the FSM procedure for preload and nut torque—guesswork leads to early failure.

Costs vary: a D40 front hub unit is commonly a 1–2 hour job plus the assembly, D22 front repack is mostly labour and grease, rear axle bearings need a press and usually 2–3 hours per side.

Popular questions about 2006 Nissan Navara wheel bearings

What are the signs a Navara wheel bearing is failing?

Typical clues are a humming or growling that rises with speed, play felt at 12-and-6 o’clock when the wheel is lifted, warmth at the hub, ABS light flickers, or uneven tyre wear. If the noise gets louder turning right, the left bearing often is at fault, and vice versa.

Do 2006 Navara wheel bearings need regular greasing?

D40 front and most rear bearings are sealed—no routine greasing, replace when worn. Many D22 front bearings are serviceable and benefit from periodic clean, inspect, and repack with quality grease, often aligned with front brake work or after water crossings. Always follow the Nissan FSM for intervals and preload.

How much does replacement usually cost?

As a ballpark in AU/NZ: a D40 front hub assembly is often $200–$500 for the part plus 1–2 hours labour. A D22 front rebuild kit is typically modest in cost, with 1.5–2.5 hours to clean, repack, and set preload. Rear axle bearings generally run $100–$250 per side for parts plus 2–3 hours with a press.