Parts for your 2011 Nissan Navara-Steering bushes

2011 Nissan Navara steering-bushes: what they do and when to replace them

Per Nissan’s workshop manuals (Section ST – Steering) for both D22 and D40 series, and the Nissan FAST parts catalogue covering 2011 build years, the 2011 Navara does use steering-bushes. On D40 models (rack-and-pinion), these are the steering rack mounting bushes. On D22 models (recirculating-ball), they’re the idler-arm bushes. So “steering-bushes” are very much relevant to this vehicle.

Steering-bushes are the small-but-mighty bits that cushion and locate key steering components. Their job is to keep the rack (D40) or idler arm (D22) sitting true under load, filter out vibration, and help the ute track straight. When they harden, crack or deform, the steering can feel vague, pull under braking, or clunk over bumps, and tyres can start wearing unevenly.

As part of normal servicing, it’s smart to inspect steering-bushes every 20,000–30,000 km, or sooner if the Navara tows, carries heavy loads, or sees corrugated roads. A simple pry-bar check on the rack mounts (D40) or idler arm (D22) while a mate rocks the steering wheel can reveal excess movement. Look for perished rubber, ovalled sleeves, or any metal-on-metal contact. If there’s play, replace as a pair on the affected assembly.

• D40 (rack-and-pinion): support the rack, swap the rack-mount bushes, and torque all fasteners to the ST section specs. Refit at ride height where possible to avoid preloading the new bushes.
• D22 (recirculating-ball): inspect the idler arm and pivot, replace worn idler-arm bushes, and re-check the centre link and tie-rods for play.

After any steering-bushes replacement, a wheel alignment is recommended, small shifts at the mounts can nudge toe and steering-centre. Use quality OEM-style rubber for OE feel and isolation, or go polyurethane if chasing a firmer, more direct response (expect a touch more NVH). Grease any poly bushes as specified, and renew self-locking nuts where the manual calls for it. If clunks, wander, or tramlining persist after fresh bushes and alignment, look deeper—ball joints, tie-rod ends, and wheel bearings are usual suspects.

These guidelines reflect Nissan’s ST (Steering) service procedures for D22/D40 Navara and typical parts listings in the Nissan FAST catalogue for 2011 models.

Popular questions about 2011 Nissan Navara steering-bushes

How do you tell if a 2011 Navara needs steering-bushes?
Tell-tales include a loose or wandering feel on the highway, knocks over potholes, steering kickback, and uneven tyre wear. With the front wheels on the ground, have someone rock the steering while you watch the rack mounts (D40) or idler arm (D22). Any visible shifting or cracking in the bush material means it’s time.

Which steering-bushes does my 2011 Navara have—D22 or D40?
If it has a steering rack running across the subframe, it’s a D40 with rack-mount bushes. If it uses a steering box with a pitman arm and an idler arm on the opposite side, it’s a D22 with idler-arm bushes. The compliance plate/VIN decode can also confirm the series.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing steering-bushes?
Yes. Even minor movement at the rack or idler can alter toe and steering-centre. Getting a proper alignment protects your tyres and restores crisp, straight-ahead feel.