Parts for your 2013 Nissan Navara-Struts

2013 Nissan Navara “Struts” — What’s Actually Fitted to This Ute

Short answer: a 2013 Nissan Navara (D40) doesn’t use MacPherson struts. Technical sources including the Nissan Navara D40 Service Manual (Front and Rear Suspension sections), the Nissan FAST parts catalogue, and workshop manuals for the 2005–2014 platform confirm it runs a double-wishbone independent front suspension with a coil-over shock absorber, and a leaf-spring rear with separate shock absorbers. Because the front suspension geometry is controlled by upper and lower control arms, the damper doesn’t act as a structural member — so it’s a coil-over shock, not a true strut.

Why didn’t Nissan use struts here? A MacPherson strut locates the hub and carries side loads, great for lighter passenger cars. The Navara’s brief is different: payload, towing, and off-road durability. A double-wishbone with a coil-over shock offers stronger lateral control, better camber control through travel, and packaging room for the 4x4 driveline. It also keeps heavy side loads off the damper rod, improving longevity when the ute is worked hard on corrugations or over uneven tracks.

It’s common to see parts listings call the front coil-over a “strut”, but that’s just naming shorthand. On a 2013 Navara, replacing “struts” means replacing the front shock absorber (often supplied pre-assembled with the spring and top mount) and the rear shock absorbers — there’s no strut cartridge or steering strut bearing like you’d find on a MacPherson setup.

For servicing, focus on the actual shock absorbers and associated hardware. Tell-tales of worn shocks include a bouncy ride, longer braking distances over bumps, cupped or feathered tyre wear, knocking noises, or oil misting down the body of the shock. On many utes, shocks are tired by 80,000–120,000 km, sooner if the vehicle lives on corrugations, carries loads, or tows frequently.

• Replace shocks in axle pairs and book a wheel alignment after front shock work.
• If reusing front coils, inspect the top mount/insulator, bump stops and dust boots, replace as needed.
• Torque control arm and bushing fasteners at normal ride height to avoid preloading bushes.
• While you’re there, check upper/lower ball joints, control arm bushes, sway-bar links and bushes, and rear leaf-spring bushes, shackles and U-bolt torque.
• Choose shocks matched to how the ute is used — touring, towing, off-road or loaded trade work.

Bottom line for the 2013 Navara: no true struts are fitted, look up front coil-over shocks and rear shocks when planning suspension maintenance.

Popular questions about 2013 Nissan Navara “struts”

Does a 2013 Navara have struts or shocks?
It has shocks. The front is a coil-over shock on a double-wishbone suspension, and the rear is a separate shock with leaf springs. There are no MacPherson struts on this model year.

What do I replace if a workshop says my Navara’s “front struts” are worn?
They’re talking about the front coil-over shock assemblies. Replace the front shocks (and usually the top mounts/insulators, boots and bump stops), then get a wheel alignment. Rear shocks are separate and should be replaced in pairs if they’re tired.

How can I tell my Navara’s shocks need changing?
Look for oil leaks on the shock body, clunks over bumps, a floaty or bouncy ride, nose-dive under brakes, or uneven tyre wear. If it works hard — towing, off-road, or loads — inspect more often and consider replacement around the 80,000–120,000 km mark.