Parts for your 2009 Nissan Navara-Control arms

2009 Nissan Navara Control Arms

Per the Nissan D40 Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension section) and Nissan FAST parts catalogue, the 2009 Nissan Navara (D40) uses a double-wishbone independent front suspension with upper and lower control arms. The rear is a live axle with leaf springs, so there are no rear control arms. That makes control arms absolutely relevant for the front end of this model.

On the 2009 Navara, the front control arms locate the front hubs, set camber and caster, and let the wheels move up and down smoothly while keeping the tyre contact patch stable. They work with the front shocks/struts and sway bar to deliver steering precision, braking stability, and ride comfort. Eccentric (cam) bolts at the lower arm pivots provide camber/caster adjustment, so their condition directly affects wheel alignment and tyre life.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for control arms or bushes, it’s condition-based. As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the front arms every 10,000–20,000 km (or at each service) for:

• Cracked, torn, or oil-soaked bushes
• Perished or split ball joint boots, play in the ball joint
• Clunks over bumps, steering shimmy, or pulling under braking
• Uneven or rapid inner/outer tyre wear

If wear is found, many owners opt for complete replacement arms that come pre-fitted with bushes and ball joints—this saves press work and often time. When replacing, torque all pivots at normal ride height to avoid bush pre-load, and always book a wheel alignment afterwards. On D40s, seized cam bolts in the lower arm sleeves are common, be prepared to replace the eccentric bolts and washers if they’re rusted in.

Choosing bushes depends on use: quality OE-style rubber keeps NVH low for daily driving, while polyurethane or heavy-duty options can sharpen steering and resist heat/load for towing or rough tracks (noting a potential increase in vibration). It’s also a good moment to assess related items like sway bar links, tie-rod ends, and front shocks, as these components wear together and can affect alignment and steering feel.

With healthy front control arms, a 2009 Navara tracks straighter, brakes more confidently, and treats its tyres kindly—exactly what’s wanted on long Kiwi or Aussie drives and off the beaten path.

Do 2009 Navaras have front control arms or just leaf springs?

They run upper and lower control arms at the front (double wishbone IFS) and a leaf-sprung live axle at the rear. So yes to front control arms, no to rear control arms.

How long do Navara D40 control arm bushes typically last?

Anywhere from about 80,000 to 150,000 km is common, depending on loads, road conditions, and exposure to oil or heat. Frequent off-road use, heavy towing, or harsh roads can shorten that. Inspect at each service and replace when cracked, torn, or showing excess movement.

Is it safe to drive with worn control arm bushes or ball joints?

It’s not ideal. Worn parts can cause vague steering, braking instability, and rapid tyre wear. If there’s knocking, wandering, or alignment that won’t hold, get it checked promptly. Replace the worn components and follow up with a proper wheel alignment.