Parts for your 2012 Nissan Navara-Strut mounts

2012 Nissan Navara strut mounts — are they fitted and what do they do?

Yes, strut mounts are relevant on the 2012 Nissan Navara (D40). Technical references such as the Nissan D40 Navara/Frontier Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension section) specify an independent double-wishbone front end with a coil-over shock absorber that fixes to the body via an upper mounting insulator — commonly called a strut top mount. Major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., KYB and Monroe) also list front top mounts for D40/Frontier models of this era, confirming fitment. While it’s not a MacPherson strut setup, the coil-over assembly still uses a dedicated top mount to isolate noise and vibration and to secure the unit to the chassis.

On this ute, the strut mount’s main jobs are to cushion road harshness, keep the coil-over located properly, and help the front end track straight without extra noise or vibration. Over time, the rubber insulator can harden, crack, or collapse, and the studs can wear. Because steering pivoting happens at the ball joints on the D40 (not through a strut bearing like a passenger car), there’s typically no integrated rotating bearing in the mount — that’s normal for this design.

As part of routine servicing on a 2012 Navara, it’s smart to inspect the strut mounts whenever front shocks or coils are removed, or at around 80,000–120,000 km, sooner if the vehicle tows, carries loads, or sees corrugations and rough tracks.

• Common symptoms of tired mounts: front-end clunks over bumps, a dull thud on take-off or braking, uneven front tyre wear, or a shimmy/creak from the tower area.
• Best practice: replace mounts in pairs when fitting new front shocks/springs to avoid mismatched ride height or noise left-to-right.
• Check hardware: inspect the top hat, studs, and spring isolators, replace any perished rubber and torque to spec from the FSM.

If a squeak or knock appears after off-road work or a big hit, a quick under-bonnet check for loose top nuts and perished rubber can save the day. When in doubt, a fresh set of mounts paired with quality shocks restores ride comfort, quietens the cabin, and keeps the Navara compliant for roadworthy/WOF checks.

Popular questions

What are the signs the 2012 Navara’s strut mounts need replacing?
Look for clunks or thuds over speed bumps, light steering shimmy, or a hollow knock on take-off and braking. Visual clues include cracked or crushed rubber at the top hat and rust or movement around the mount studs. Uneven front tyre wear can also point to a tired mount letting the coil-over shift under load.

Do the Navara’s strut mounts have bearings like a car strut?
No. The D40 uses double wishbones, so steering pivots at the ball joints, not through the mount. The top mount is primarily a rubber insulator and locating plate. Hearing a graunch when steering is more likely a ball joint or top hat rubber issue than a failed strut bearing.

When should the mounts be replaced?
They’re often replaced with front shocks or coils, typically around 80,000–120,000 km, earlier with heavy loads or rough-road use. Replace in pairs and recheck torque after a short run-in to keep the front end quiet and planted.