Parts for your 2015 Nissan Navara-Strut mounts

2015 Nissan Navara strut mounts

Based on technical references including the Nissan Navara NP300 (D23) Service Manual – Front Suspension (FSU section), the earlier D40 Front Suspension manual, and genuine parts catalogues for 2015 Navara models, this ute does not use MacPherson struts or a strut mount/bearing assembly. The front end is a double‑wishbone layout with a coil‑over shock absorber. In this design, the shock and spring do not act as a structural “strut” that locates the wheel, instead, the upper and lower control arms locate the steering knuckle, and the damper simply controls motion. As a result, a conventional strut top/bearing (commonly called a strut mount) is not fitted to the 2015 Navara.

Because the front suspension is double wishbone, steering and vertical loads are carried by the upper and lower ball joints and control arms. A MacPherson strut mount is only relevant when the damper/spring assembly doubles as a load‑carrying, steering pivot. On the Navara, the shock absorber is mounted through the tower with a simple rubber insulator and hardware rather than a rotating bearing mount. Parts listings for the 2015 Navara therefore identify a “front shock absorber upper insulator/bush” rather than a “strut mount”.

For servicing, attention should shift from “strut mounts” to the actual wear items used on this platform. The front shock absorber upper insulators can harden, split or crush over time, and the shocks themselves can leak or fade. The double‑wishbone arms use bushes and ball joints that take substantial load in Aussie and Kiwi conditions, especially on corrugations or with accessories fitted. During routine servicing or whenever a front‑end noise is reported, a technician should inspect:

• Front shock absorbers for leaks and diminished rebound/compression control
• Shock upper insulators for perishing, deformation or metal‑to‑metal contact
• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints for play or torn boots
• Sway bar links and bushes for movement or knocking

Common symptoms that mimic a “bad strut mount” on other vehicles—clunks over sharp bumps, steering shudder, or front‑end creaks—on a 2015 Navara are more often traced to tired shock insulators, worn sway bar links, or looseness in control‑arm bushes/ball joints. If replacing shocks, new upper insulators and hardware are a smart add‑on. After any front‑end work, a proper wheel alignment helps protect tyres and keeps the ute tracking straight.

Popular questions

Does a 2015 Nissan Navara have strut mounts?
No. Technical documentation for both the D23 (NP300) and late D40 confirms a double‑wishbone front suspension with a coil‑over shock, not a MacPherson strut. That means there’s no strut top bearing/mount assembly. The equivalent service item is the front shock absorber upper insulator.

What’s usually causing clunks that sound like a bad strut mount on a Navara?
On this platform, clunks are commonly from worn sway bar links/bushes, crushed or perished shock upper insulators, loose top hardware, or play in control‑arm bushes/ball joints. A quick inspection under the bonnet at the shock towers and a lever check of the arms usually pinpoints it.

When should the front shock upper insulators be replaced?
They’re typically replaced with the shocks, or sooner if there’s visible cracking, deformation, or metallic contact at the top mount. Many workshops inspect them every 40,000–60,000 km, especially if the ute tows, carries loads, or sees rough roads.