Parts for your 2009 Nissan Navara-Strut mounts

Are strut-mounts used on the 2009 Nissan Navara?

Short answer: no, proper strut-mounts aren’t used on the 2009 Nissan Navara (D40). Referencing the Nissan Navara D40 Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension section) and major parts catalogues, the front end is an independent double-wishbone setup with a coil spring over a shock absorber. That means it’s not a MacPherson strut design, so there’s no rotating strut top bearing or classic “strut-mount” assembly like you’d see in many passenger cars.

In a MacPherson strut system, the strut-mount supports the vehicle’s weight and allows the strut to rotate as you steer. The D40 Navara steers via upper and lower ball joints on the control arms, so the top of the coilover doesn’t need to turn. Instead of a strut-mount, the Navara uses an upper shock absorber mount with rubber insulators (often called a top hat or insulator in the manuals and parts lists). Technical sources such as the Nissan D40 Factory Service Manual and OE/aftermarket catalogues list items like “front shock absorber,” “upper insulator,” and “mounting bush” rather than a strut-mount with a bearing.

Why’s that important? If someone’s searching for 2009 Nissan Navara strut-mounts, they’ll often land on parts labelled “strut top” or “strut spacer” in the 4x4 aftermarket. Those terms are commonly used, but they’re referring to the coilover’s top plate/insulator area, not a true strut-mount. So if the front end’s clunking or knocking, the usual suspects are worn shock absorber bushes/insulators, tired shocks, or play in the control arm bushes and ball joints, not a failed strut-mount bearing.

Practical tip for owners: if you’re doing front-end work (shocks, springs, or a small lift), inspect the upper shock insulators and all control arm bushes while you’re there. Replace any perished rubber, torque everything to spec, and book a wheel alignment. If fitting spacers or a lift kit, be mindful of CV and droop angles, and follow the kit maker’s instructions to avoid top-out or premature bush wear.

• Common signs to check: front-end clunks over bumps, uneven tyre wear, vague steering, or visible cracks in rubber insulators/bushes.
• Service docs to consult: Nissan Navara D40 Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension), plus reputable OE/aftermarket parts catalogues for shock insulators and bushes.

Popular questions about 2009 Nissan Navara strut-mounts

1) Does a 2009 Navara have strut-mounts?
No. The D40 uses double wishbones with a coilover shock, not a MacPherson strut. There’s no rotating strut top bearing, instead, it has an upper shock mount with rubber insulators.

2) What should be replaced instead of strut-mounts?
Look at the front shock absorber upper insulators/bushes, the shocks themselves, and the control arm bushes and ball joints. These are the parts that typically cause noise or looseness on a D40.

3) Are “strut spacers” the same as strut-mounts on a Navara?
No. Aftermarket “strut spacers” sit on top of the coilover assembly to gain lift, but they don’t convert the setup into a strut or add a strut-mount bearing. If using spacers, get an alignment and check for proper droop and CV angles.