Parts for your 2007 Nissan Navara-Struts

2007 Nissan Navara struts — are they actually a thing?

Short answer: nope — a 2007 Nissan Navara doesn’t use MacPherson struts. Both 2007 platforms sold in AU/NZ (D40 and the carry-over D22 in some trims) run shock absorbers, not struts. Technical sources back this up: the Nissan Navara D40 Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension, FSU section) specifies an independent double-wishbone front end with a coil spring over a shock absorber and a stabiliser bar, while the Rear Suspension (RSU) section shows a solid axle with leaf springs and separate shocks. The D22 Factory Service Manual describes a torsion-bar, double-arm front suspension with a separate shock absorber, and leaf-spring rear — again, no struts.

Why no struts? Navara’s ute brief is load-carrying, towing and off-road work. A double-wishbone or torsion-bar front end offers robust geometry control under heavy payloads and rough tracks, with strong mounting points and serviceable components. Out back, leaf springs handle payload and towing duties better than a typical passenger-car strut layout. In a true strut design, the damper is a structural member that locates the wheel, on the Navara, the shock only controls motion — the arms and leafs do the locating.

Shopping note: many parts listings say “Navara front struts,” but they’re talking about the front shock-and-coil assembly (sometimes called a coilover) and its upper mount/insulator. If it’s a 2007 Navara, think shocks, not struts.

What to service instead of “struts”

• Front: shock absorbers (coilover assemblies), upper shock mounts/insulators, control arm bushes and ball joints.
• Rear: shock absorbers, leaf-spring bushes, shackles and U-bolts.

When to replace shocks? There’s no hard expiry, but 80,000–120,000 km is common for mixed Aussie/Kiwi conditions. Heavy towing, corrugations and off-road work can bring that forward. Replace in axle pairs, and get a wheel alignment after front-end work.

Symptoms that point to tired shocks or worn bushes

• Excessive bounce, nose-diving under brakes, or wallowing in corners.
• Clunks over bumps, uneven tyre wear, or longer stopping distances.
• Visible oil leaks on the shock body, or dented/damaged housings.

Workshop tip: torque suspension fasteners at ride height, inspect dust boots and bump stops, and check leaf packs and shackles for play. Keeping the shocks and bushes in good nick will make a Navara ride tighter, track straighter and look after the tyres.

Technical references used: Nissan Navara D40 Factory Service Manual (FSU Front Suspension, RSU Rear Suspension), Nissan Navara D22 Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension, Rear Suspension). These manuals specify double-wishbone or torsion-bar fronts with separate shocks, and leaf-spring rears with shocks, confirming no MacPherson struts are fitted.

FAQs

Does a 2007 Nissan Navara have struts?
No. The 2007 Navara (D40 and D22) uses separate shock absorbers — double-wishbone with coilover shocks up front (or torsion-bar with shocks on D22), and leaf springs with shocks at the rear. It does not have MacPherson struts.

What should be replaced instead of “struts” on a 2007 Navara?
Look for front shock absorbers (often sold as complete coilover assemblies), the upper shock mounts/insulators, and related bushes and ball joints. At the rear, replace the shock absorbers and inspect leaf-spring bushes, shackles and U-bolts.

How often should Navara shocks be replaced?
Many owners see the best results replacing shocks around 80,000–120,000 km, sooner if the ute tows, carries loads, or spends time on rough roads. Always assess condition: leaks, bounce, poor handling or uneven tyre wear are your cues.