Parts for your 2013 Nissan Navara-Steering rack

2013 Nissan Navara steering rack — what it is, whether you’ve got one, and how to look after it

Technical sources show that whether a 2013 Nissan Navara has a steering rack depends on the platform. The D40-series Navara (sold in AU/NZ through 2013) uses a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering gear. This is detailed in the Nissan Navara D40 Service Manual, ST (Steering) section, and reflected in the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue for 2013 D40 models listing a steering gear (rack), inner/outer tie-rods and boots. By contrast, the 2013 Navara D22 (often badged STR in AU/NZ) uses a recirculating-ball steering box with a pitman arm, idler arm and centre link, not a steering rack, as documented in the Nissan Navara D22 Service Manual, ST section. So: D40 = steering rack fitted, D22 = no steering rack.

If you’re in a 2013 D40 Navara, the steering rack is the heart of the ute’s steering, turning the wheel’s rotation into precise left–right movement at the wheels. It’s hydraulically assisted for lighter effort and better control, especially with a bull bar, bigger tyres or towing. Over time, harsh roads, off-road knocks and wider tyres can load up the rack, so a bit of care goes a long way.

What it does day-to-day: it keeps the front wheels tracking straight, provides feedback through the wheel, and works with the tie-rods to maintain alignment. When it’s tired, drivers often notice play on centre, a clunk over corrugations, uneven tyre wear, notchy or heavy steering, or oily residue around the rack boots.

Good servicing habits for a D40 steering rack:

• At each service, inspect rack boots for tears, and check for fluid seepage and free play at inner/outer tie-rods.
• Use the power steering fluid specified in the owner’s manual, and keep it clean, a periodic fluid exchange helps the pump and rack seals.
• After any suspension or tie-rod work, get a proper wheel alignment and ensure the rack is centred.
• If the vehicle has stability control, a steering angle sensor calibration may be needed after rack replacement.
• When replacing, consider quality reman or new racks with new inner tie-rods and boots, always torque fasteners to spec and replace single-use nuts.

Heavy off-road use? Add rack and tie-rod checks to your pre-trip and post-trip routine. If you own a 2013 D22 Navara, a steering rack doesn’t apply, your vehicle uses a steering box and linkage, so inspection focuses on the box, centre link, pitman and idler arms.

Technical references: Nissan Navara D40 Service Manual (ST—Steering, Rack & Pinion, RHD) 2005–2014, Nissan FAST EPC for D40 Steering Gear, 2013 model year, Nissan Navara D22 Service Manual (ST—Steering, Recirculating Ball) 1997–2014.

Popular questions about 2013 Nissan Navara steering racks

Does my 2013 Navara actually have a steering rack?

If it’s a D40 (the larger, later-shape model), yes—it uses a power-assisted rack-and-pinion. If it’s a D22 (often badged STR), no—it runs a steering box with linkage. Check the model code on the build plate: D40 has a rack, D22 doesn’t. A quick under-car look helps too—D40 shows a rack with accordion boots behind the front crossmember, D22 shows a steering box on the driver’s side with a centre link and idler arm.

What are common signs the D40 rack needs attention?

Oil weeping at the boots, free play or a knock in the steering, tramlining or uneven tyre wear, and heavy or notchy feel at the wheel. After a hit off-road, a slight pull or off-centre wheel can point to a bent tie-rod or internal rack wear. Any fluid loss or noticeable play should be checked promptly to protect tyres and the pump.

How often should the rack be serviced or replaced?

The rack isn’t a scheduled replacement item. Inspect it at every service, especially if you tow, run larger tyres or head off-road. Many last well past 200,000 km, but leaks, boot damage or excessive play mean it’s time for repair or replacement. Always finish with a correct alignment and fluid bleed.