Parts for your 2010 Nissan Navara-Control arms

2010 Nissan Navara control arms – what they do and when to replace them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2010 Nissan Navara. Nissan’s factory service manual for the D40 platform identifies an independent double-wishbone front suspension with both upper and lower control arms, and OEM parts catalogues list these assemblies (plus their bushes and ball joints) for the 2010 model year. Workshop guides and aftermarket catalogues for the Navara D40 also supply complete arms and service parts. Rear suspension is leaf-spring, so no rear control arms. Some markets still offered the D22 in 2010, which also uses front control arms. So this part is relevant to servicing this ute.

On a 2010 Navara, the front upper and lower control arms locate the wheel hub and let the front end move up and down while holding the alignment steady. They set camber and caster, keep the tyre planted, and isolate vibration through their rubber (or hydro) bushes. The ball joints at the ends allow smooth steering and suspension movement under braking, towing and corrugations.

Because they cop a hiding off-road and on rough Kiwi and Aussie roads, control arm bushes and ball joints are wear items. As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect them every 10,000–15,000 km or at each service.

• Look for split or leaking bushes, torn ball joint boots, rust dust, or play.
• Listen for clunks over bumps, feel for steering wander, and check for uneven tyre wear or a pull under braking.
• If the vehicle’s lifted, also check ball joint angles and bump stop clearance.

When replacement time rolls around, many techs fit complete upper arms (they come pre-bushed and often with the joint), while lower arms may have replaceable bushes and ball joints depending on brand. Always torque pivot bolts at normal ride height, use new self-locking nuts or cotter pins, and book a wheel alignment straight after—caster, camber and toe will shift. Seized cam bolts are common on older D40s, budget for new camber bolts and alignment cams if they’re crusty.

Quality matters here: OEM or reputable aftermarket arms and bushes will ride better and last longer. If the Navara runs a suspension lift, consider an offset/adjustable upper control arm to bring caster back into spec and improve tyre clearance. For torque specs and special procedures, follow the Nissan D40 service manual or trusted workshop data.

Popular questions

Does a 2010 Nissan Navara have front and rear control arms?

Front, yes, rear, no. The 2010 Navara uses upper and lower control arms in the front independent suspension. The rear end is leaf-spring, so it doesn’t use control arms.

How long do Navara D40 control arm bushes and ball joints last?

Anywhere from about 80,000 to 150,000 km is common, but heavy loads, off-road work, salt, and corrugations can shorten that. Check them at each service and before big trips or towing.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?

Yes. Changing arms, bushes or ball joints affects camber and caster, and can nudge toe. A proper alignment protects your tyres and restores stable steering.