Parts for your 2013 Nissan Navara-Strut mounts

2013 Nissan Navara strut-mounts: what’s fitted and what’s not

For the 2013 Nissan Navara (both D22 and D40 models sold in Australia and New Zealand), “strut-mounts” aren’t actually a thing. Technical references including the Nissan Navara D40 Workshop Manual (Front Suspension section), the D22 Workshop Manual, and the Nissan FAST parts catalogue show the Navara runs a double wishbone front suspension. The D40 uses a coil-over shock on the wishbones, while the D22 uses torsion bars with separate shocks. Neither setup is a MacPherson strut, so there’s no rotating strut top bearing or conventional strut mount as seen in many passenger cars. Aftermarket ride-control guides (e.g., Monroe Australasia) list shock absorber mounts/insulators and bushes rather than strut top mounts for these utes.

Why no strut-mounts? In a MacPherson system, the strut does the steering and needs a bearing in the mount to rotate. On the Navara, the steering pivot happens at the upper and lower ball joints on the control arms, while the shock and spring simply compress and extend. Up top you’ll find a rubber insulator or bush and a plate, not a strut bearing. Down the back it’s leaf springs with stand-alone shocks, again with simple bushes and eyes—no struts.

If someone’s asked for “strut-mounts” on a 2013 Navara, what they likely need are the front shock upper insulators/bushes (or the full front shock/coil assembly on D40), or they’re chasing a knock that’s actually from worn ball joints or control arm bushes. Typical tell-tales that the front shock mounts/insulators or shocks are due include:

• Clunks over speed humps or corrugations
• Harshness, vibration or a hollow thud from the top of the wheel arch
• Perished or cracked rubber, or oil weep from the shock
• Uneven front tyre wear or vague steering feel

Good servicing practice on a Navara is to inspect front shock upper insulators/bushes, lower bushes, ball joints and control arm bushes every 20,000–40,000 km—more often if it’s a workhorse or sees off-road tracks. When replacing front shocks or insulators on a D40 coil-over, use a suitable spring compressor, torque everything at ride height, and get a wheel alignment afterwards. For D22 torsion-bar models, set ride height correctly after any front-end work and check alignment as well. Quality bushes and correct torque go a long way to keeping the ute quiet, safe and tracking straight.

Popular questions about 2013 Nissan Navara strut-mounts

Does a 2013 Navara have strut-mounts?
No. The 2013 Navara (D22 and D40) uses double wishbone front suspension, not MacPherson struts. It has shock absorber upper insulators/bushes rather than a strut top mount with a bearing.

What should be replaced if there’s a “strut-mount” knock?
Usually the front shock upper insulator/bush, the shock itself if it’s leaking or weak, or associated components like control arm bushes or ball joints. Many “strut-mount” noises on these utes trace back to tired rubber or joints in the front end.

Do you need a wheel alignment after front shock work?
Yes, it’s recommended. Disturbing the front suspension can nudge camber/caster and toe. An alignment helps protect tyres and restores straight-line stability and steering feel.