<em>Nissan NP300</em> steering tip: how to diagnose a malfunction and replace it yourself

Steering tips on Nissan NP300 Navara - a critical element of steering control, on which not only driving comfort, but also safety depends. These parts wear out over time, especially when the pickup truck is used in difficult conditions (off-road, overload, aggressive driving style). Ignoring tip problems can result in loose steering, uneven tire wear, and even loss of vehicle control at high speeds.

In this article we will look at signs of faulty tie rod ends on NP300, let's look in detail at selection of spare parts (original vs analogues), and we will also provide step-by-step replacement instructions taking into account the nuances of the design of this pickup truck. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that owners make when doing their own repairs, and we will give recommendations on how to extend the service life of new parts.

Signs of wear on the tie rod ends Nissan NP300

The first symptoms of problems with handpieces often go unnoticed as they develop gradually. However there is key signalsthat should alert you:

• 🚗 Steering wheel play (more than 10° when swaying left and right in place) is the most obvious sign. On NP300 with hydraulic booster this manifests itself as a “blurred” response to turns.
• 🔊 Knocking or squeaking when turning the steering wheel, especially on uneven roads. The sound comes from the front wheel area and intensifies when passing speed bumps.
• 🔄 Uneven tire wear (more often - the inner or outer edge). This is due to a violation of the wheel alignment angles due to play in the tips.
• 🛑 Pulling the car to the side when braking or accelerating. On NP300 With all-wheel drive, this may be mistakenly attributed to transmission problems.

Feature Nissan NP300 — increased load on steering rods due to high ground clearance and heavy front end. Therefore, the tips here wear out faster than on passenger cars. For example, when operating a pickup truck with a trailer or constant overload, the service life of parts is reduced by 30–40%.

⚠️ Attention: If, when driving in a straight line, the steering wheel requires constant correction (for example, steering to the left), this may indicate one-sided tip wear. In this case, replacement is required even if there is no play!

Articles and selection of spare parts: original vs analogues

For Nissan NP300 Navara (including restyled versions) the following are suitable original articles steering tips:

Position	Article	Applicability	Average price, ₽
Left tip	55500-4M000	NP300 (2014–present), D40	4 200–5 500
Right tip	55501-4M000	NP300 (2014–present), D40	4 000–5 300
Set (left + right)	55500-4M001	NP300, Pathfinder R52	7 500–9 000

Original tips from Nissan are made of high-strength steel with corrosion protection, but their price often seems overpriced. An alternative is analogues from trusted brands:

• 🔧 MOOG (ES3608, ES3609) - reinforced design, service life 20% higher than the original. Price: ~3,500 ₽ per piece.
• 🔧 TRW (JTE510, JTE511) - optimal price/quality ratio, often installed on the conveyor.
• 🔧 Febi Bilstein (23426, 23427) is a budget option (from RUB 2,200), but requires more frequent checking.
• 🔧 Meyle (316 050 0023) - premium segment, with improved boots and lubrication.

When choosing analogues, pay attention to quality of anthers - on NP300 they often break due to dirt and stones. The best option is parts with double-layer covers (for example, at MOOG or TRW).

Tools and preparation for replacement

For self-replacement of tie rod ends with Nissan NP300 you will need:

• 🔧 Steering wheel end remover (For example, KUKKO 21-1 or equivalent). Without it, dismantling the old part may damage the threads.
• 🔧 Torque wrench (nut tightening torque - 35–45 Nm).
• 🔧 Socket heads by 17, 19 and 22 mm (for unscrewing rods and hub nuts).
• 🔧 WD-40 or liquid key - rusty connections on NP300 meet often.
• 🔧 Jack and stops (be sure to secure the rear axle, as the pickup truck has a high center of gravity!).

Before starting work:

1. Place the car on a level surface and secure the rear wheels.
2. Loosen the wheel and end nuts before getting up on a jack.
3. Clean the threaded connections from dirt with a wire brush.

Loosen the wheel and tip nuts|Raise the car and secure it on the supports|Remove the wheel and clean the parts from dirt|Mark the position of the linkage with a marker (to maintain the camber)|Check for the presence of a new boot and lubricant in the kit-->

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan NP300 with the system 4WD before replacing tips necessarily put the transfer case into mode 2H (rear wheel drive). This will reduce the load on the front axle and make dismantling easier.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the tie rod end

The replacement process on the left and right tips is identical, but there are some nuances with access to the nuts. Let's look at the algorithm using an example left side:

1. Removing the old tip:
   1. Unscrew the nut securing the tip to the steering knuckle (19 mm wrench).
   2. Use a puller to press the pin out of the bipod. Don't hit with a hammer - this will deform the thread!
   3. Unscrew the locknut on the tie rod (22mm wrench) and remove the end.
2. Installing a new tip:
   1. Apply Loctite 243 on the thread of the rod before screwing on a new tip.
   2. Tighten the locknut with a torque of 35–40 Nm (undertightening will lead to play, overtightening will lead to damage to the thread).
   3. Install the pin into the steering knuckle and tighten the nut (torque 45 Nm).
3. Check:
   1. Rock the wheel in a horizontal plane - there should be no play.
   2. Check the steering movement: it should be smooth, without jamming.

After replacement necessarily execute wheel alignment adjustment. On NP300 Even a slight angle deviation leads to sideways movement and accelerated tire wear.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that shorten the service life of new tips. Here are the most common:

• ❌ Ignoring anthers. On NP300 covers often tear during installation. Check their integrity and lubricate them with silicone grease.
• ❌ Incorrect tightening torque. Overtightening the nuts leads to deformation of the pin, and undertightening leads to play. Use a torque wrench!
• ❌ Lack of traction locking. After replacement, do not forget to tighten the lock nut on the rod, otherwise the tip will rotate.
• ❌ Saving on lubrication. New tips require lubrication Molykote G-4500 or equivalent for corrosion protection.

Another typical problem is mixing up left and right tips. On NP300 they are visually similar, but have different threads (left is reverse). Make sure the part number matches the side!

What happens if you don’t change worn tips?

If wear is critical, the tip pin may break out of the steering knuckle bipod, which will lead to complete loss of steering control. At speeds above 60 km/h this almost always results in an accident. In addition, play in the tips accelerates wear on the steering rack and ball joints, the repair of which will cost 3–4 times more than replacing the tips.

How to extend the life of tie rod ends

Tip life for Nissan NP300 depends not only on the quality of the parts, but also on the operating conditions. The following measures will help increase their service life:

• 🛡️ Regular washing pendants in winter. Salt and reagents destroy the anthers in 1–2 seasons.
• 🚛 Load control. Overloading a pickup truck (especially with a trailer) increases the load on the tie rods.
• 🔧 Checking the backlash every 20,000 km. On NP300 you can do this yourself by pumping the rod with your hand.
• 🛠️ Hinge lubrication through grease nipples (if they are included in the tip design).

Pay special attention anthers. On NP300 they often crack due to high temperatures (for example, when driving off-road in summer). Solution - installation silicone cases (for example, from Gates) or additional protection with heat shrink tubing.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about tie rod ends Nissan NP300

Is it possible to drive with a worn tip if the play is small?

No. Even minimal play (2–3 mm) leads to uneven tire wear and increasing the load on the steering rack. On NP300 with its heavy front part this is especially critical - the rack can fail after 10–15 thousand km.

How often should I check the tips on the NP300?

Every 20,000 km or before a long trip. If the car is operated in difficult conditions (off-road, trailer), the interval is reduced to 10,000 km. The test takes 5 minutes: just shake the rod with your hand or try to move your finger in the bipod.

Can only one tip be replaced?

Technically yes, but not recommended. The tips wear out at about the same rate, and if one fails, the second will soon require replacement. An exception is mechanical damage (for example, after an accident). In this case, it is enough to replace only the damaged part.

What lubricant should I use for new tips?

The best option is Molykote G-4500 or LIQUI MOLY LM 50. They are resistant to water and high temperatures. Do not use grease or lithol - they cannot withstand loads NP300 and wash out quickly.

Do I need to do a wheel alignment after replacement?

Required, even if you didn't touch the tie rods. On NP300 Replacing the tips affects the wheel alignment angles, and ignoring the adjustment will lead to the car pulling to the side and accelerated tire wear.