Parts for your 2016 Nissan Navara-Struts

2016 Nissan Navara and “struts” — what’s actually fitted

For the 2016 Nissan Navara (D23/NP300), “struts” in the MacPherson sense aren’t used. Technical sources describe a front independent double-wishbone setup with a separate coil spring and shock absorber (a coilover-style damper), not a structural strut. The rear is either a five‑link coil-sprung arrangement (on selected dual-cab grades) or traditional leaf springs, again with separate shock absorbers. That means parts often called “front struts” for this ute are more accurately front shock absorber and spring assemblies.

Why doesn’t the 2016 Navara run MacPherson struts? MacPherson struts are brilliant for compact packaging in cars and crossovers, but utes like the Navara need robust geometry control, long wheel travel, and serious load and off‑road durability. A double‑wishbone front end lets engineers control camber through the stroke, manage higher front axle loads, and tune ride height and steering response for rough tracks and towing. Because the damper in a double‑wishbone layout isn’t a structural member between the hub and body, it avoids the side‑load and top‑mount stress that a true strut carries, which pays off in longevity under Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

• Nissan Navara (D23) Service Manual: front suspension listed as independent double wishbone with coil spring and shock absorber, rear five‑link coil or leaf spring with separate shocks (Suspension/Front Axle sections).
• Nissan Australia 2016 Navara specification sheets: “Front suspension – Double wishbone with stabiliser bar”, rear listed as leaf spring or five‑link coil, depending on grade.
• Global NP300 Navara technical briefings and local workshop literature reiterate the above layouts for 4x2 and 4x4 variants.

What should owners look after instead of “struts”? Think shocks, springs, control arm bushes, ball joints, sway bar links and bushes, top mounts for the front shock/spring assembly, and rear shocks. If the ute’s done big kilometres, tows regularly, or sees corrugations and rutted tracks, it’s smart to inspect for oil misting on shocks, uneven tyre wear, clunks over bumps, front-end float, or longer stopping distances. Fresh shocks and healthy bushes keep tyres planted, towing stable, and steering crisp.

Bottom line: the 2016 Navara doesn’t run MacPherson struts. It uses a tougher double‑wishbone front with separate shocks and springs, and either coil or leaf rears with separate shocks—exactly the kind of hardware that suits a hard‑working ute in Australia and New Zealand.

Popular questions

Does my 2016 Navara have front struts or shocks?
It has front shocks with coil springs in a double‑wishbone setup, not MacPherson struts. Many parts catalogues use “strut” loosely, but technically they’re shock absorbers with separate springs, and the shocks aren’t structural members.

What should I service if I thought I needed “struts”?
Ask for front shocks, coil springs, top mounts, sway bar links/bushes, and checks on control arm bushes and ball joints. A proper wheel alignment after suspension work is a must to protect tyres and steering feel.

Do any 2016 Navara models have rear struts?
No. Rear suspension is either five‑link coils with separate shocks or leaf springs with separate shocks. There are no rear MacPherson struts on this model.