Parts for your 2013 Nissan Navara-Suspension bushes

2013 Nissan Navara suspension-bushes — fitment, purpose and service tips

Suspension-bushes are absolutely used on the 2013 Nissan Navara (D40). Technical sources that confirm fitment include: the Nissan Navara D40 Electronic Service Manual (front suspension and rear axle/leaf spring sections), Nissan FAST/parts catalogue entries for MY13 D40 suspension groups, and major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., SuperPro, Nolathane, Whiteline) that list front control arm, sway bar, and rear leaf-spring eye/shackle bushes for D40 models (2005–2015). Together, these sources show the Navara runs rubber bushes in the front double-wishbone setup and in the rear leaf-spring assembly, plus stabiliser (sway) bar mounts and link bushes.

What do suspension-bushes do on a 2013 Navara? In short, they isolate noise and vibration, keep alignment stable and let the arms and springs move smoothly through their travel. Rubber bushes sit between metal components (control arms, shackles, sway bar brackets), so road harshness doesn’t rattle the cab and tyres keep a consistent contact patch. In the D40, the front lower and upper control arms use bushes to control caster and camber under braking and cornering, while the rear leaf spring eye and shackle bushes locate the live axle and manage articulation off-road.

As they age, bushes harden, crack or deform. Typical tell-tales include clunks over bumps, vague steering, shimmy at speed, uneven tyre wear, brake dive, and a wandering feel on corrugations. For a ute that tows, hauls or sees beach or bush tracks, inspection every 20,000 km (or at each service) is a smart move.

• Front: upper/lower control arm bushes, sway bar D-bushes and link bushes, strut top mount bushings.
• Rear: leaf-spring front eye and rear shackle bushes, sway bar bushes (where fitted), shock absorber eye bushes.

When replacing, do left and right as a pair, and torque the bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the rubber. After front-end bush work, a wheel alignment is a must on the D40 to reset camber/caster and toe. If chasing sharper steering or longer life, quality polyurethane can be considered for sway bar mounts and some locations, for best NVH and ride on a daily-driven Navara, fresh OEM-style rubber or HD rubber is often the pick for control arms and leaf eyes. If the ute works hard, add bush checks to pre-trip and post-trip routines, rinse road salt and red dust, and keep an eye on cracked outer sleeves or eccentric cam bolt movement in the front arms.

Technical sources referenced: Nissan Navara D40 Electronic Service Manual (Front Suspension, Rear Axle/Leaf Spring), Nissan FAST/Parts Catalogue (D40 MY13 suspension groups), and aftermarket catalogues listing D40 bush kits (2005–2015) from major Australian/NZ suppliers.

How long do suspension-bushes last on a 2013 Navara?

On-road utes often see 80,000–150,000 km from factory rubber bushes. Heavy towing, corrugations, mud and salt can shorten that. If there’s play, perishing, or alignment won’t hold, it’s time to renew.

Should a Navara run rubber or polyurethane bushes?

Rubber keeps NVH low and suits daily work utes. Polyurethane can sharpen steering and last longer in some spots (like sway bar mounts), but may add a touch of firmness. Many owners mix: rubber for control arms/leaf eyes, poly for sway bar D-bushes and links.

Do you need a wheel alignment after bush replacement?

Yes for the front end. New control arm bushes change camber/caster and toe on the D40, so align it straight after. Torque all bushes at ride height. Rear leaf-spring bushes generally don’t affect alignment unless other rear geometry was altered.