Parts for your 2009 Nissan Navara-Struts

2009 Nissan Navara Struts — What’s Actually Fitted?

For the 2009 Nissan Navara (D40), “struts” aren’t actually part of the design. Technical references including the Nissan Navara D40 Service Manual (Front Suspension section – often labelled FSU), the Nissan FAST parts catalogue for D40, and common workshop manuals note the front end is an independent double-wishbone setup with a coil spring and shock absorber (a coil-over shock), plus a stabiliser bar. The rear is a solid axle with leaf springs and separate shock absorbers. That means there’s no MacPherson strut arrangement on this ute.

Why no struts? A MacPherson strut uses the strut itself as a structural member to locate the wheel. The D40’s front suspension locates the wheel with upper and lower control arms, with the shock and spring handling damping and ride height only. Nissan opted for double wishbones on the ladder-frame Navara to deliver robust load-carrying performance, better control of camber through suspension travel, and durability for off-road and towing duties—key traits for Aussie and Kiwi ute buyers.

Some parts listings and workshop chatter may call the front coil-over a “strut”, but that’s casual shorthand. On the D40, the front unit is a shock absorber with a coil spring and top mount, it doesn’t act as a structural member like a true strut.

• Front: Independent double wishbone, coil spring over shock absorber, upper and lower control arms, stabiliser bar.
• Rear: Live axle with leaf springs and separate shock absorbers.
• No MacPherson struts fitted, so there’s no “strut cartridge” or “strut tower” service as found on many cars.

Servicing tips owners actually need: if the front feels floaty, crashes over bumps, or makes a clunk, the usual suspects are the front shock absorbers, upper/lower control arm bushes or ball joints, and sway-bar links or bushes. At the rear, look at shocks and leaf-spring bushes. Shock absorbers commonly need attention anywhere from around 80,000–150,000 km depending on loads and road conditions. Inspect for oil seepage, dented bodies, uneven tyre wear, poor rebound control, and any top-mount play. After any suspension work, a proper wheel alignment is a must, especially on lifted or accessorised Navaras. For AU/NZ compliance, check local rules before modifying ride height, and keep CV angles and brake line lengths in mind on 4x4 models.

Popular questions

Does a 2009 Nissan Navara have front struts?
No. The D40 Navara uses a double-wishbone front suspension with a coil spring over a shock absorber. The shock and spring aren’t a structural strut. Many people casually call the coil-over a “strut”, but it’s technically a shock absorber assembly.

What should be replaced if the front end feels bouncy or clunky?
Start with the front shock absorbers, then check upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints, plus sway-bar links and bushes. At the rear, inspect shocks and leaf-spring bushes. Replace worn parts as a set where practical and get a wheel alignment afterwards.

Can a strut lift kit be fitted to a 2009 Navara?
There’s no true strut to lift, but you can fit upgraded coil-over shocks, springs, or spacers designed for the D40’s double-wishbone setup. Keep modifications within local AU/NZ regulations, watch CV angles on 4x4s, and always get the alignment checked.