Parts for your 2000 Nissan Serena-Steering bushes

2000 Nissan Serena steering-bushes: what they do and when to replace them

Steering-bushes are indeed used on the 2000 Nissan Serena (C24). Nissan’s factory service literature for the C24 (ST—Steering section) details a rack-and-pinion setup with rack mounting insulators/bushes and a steering column bush. The Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue and common aftermarket catalogues also list rack-mount bushings for this model, so the part is relevant to this vehicle.

On a 2000 Serena, the steering-bushes sit where the steering rack mounts to the front subframe and where the column is supported. Their main jobs are to hold the rack securely, keep the steering geometry consistent, and soak up nasty vibrations before they reach the wheel. When they’re in good nick, the van tracks straight, on‑centre feel is tidy, and road noise is kept in check.

Worn bushes show up as vague steering, clunks over broken surfaces, shimmy through the wheel, or the van wandering with crosswinds or under braking. Tyres may start to wear unevenly because the rack can shift a touch under load. Oil-soaked rubber from a past power steering fluid leak is another giveaway the material’s gone soft.

For servicing, it’s smart to inspect the steering-bushes every 12 months or 20,000 km. On a hoist, a quick pry-bar check at the rack mounts will reveal excess movement, look for cracking, perishing, ovalled bush sleeves, or bush separation. If replacing, support the rack, note the bush orientation marks, remove the clamps, and fit quality OEM-equivalent rubber or polyurethane. Rubber keeps factory ride comfort, poly tightens response and lasts longer, but can add a hint more NVH. Use silicone-based grease only on polyurethane, don’t use petroleum grease on rubber. Torque the clamp bolts to the service manual spec, with the vehicle at normal ride height. If the manual specifies new fasteners, use them. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards, because even small rack position changes can nudge toe settings.

While you’re there, check related steering and suspension wear points: inner and outer tie rod ends, lower control arm bushes, and strut tops. Keeping the lot in order makes the Serena feel planted and predictable on Kiwi and Aussie roads.

• Typical symptoms of wear: clunks, vague on‑centre feel, tramlining, uneven tyre wear
• Inspection interval: every 12 months or 20,000 km, and after any power steering fluid leak
• Always finish with a wheel alignment after bush replacement

Popular questions

Does the 2000 Nissan Serena have an idler arm bush?
No. The C24 Serena uses rack-and-pinion steering, so there’s no idler arm. Idler arms and their bushes are used on older recirculating-ball setups. On the Serena, the equivalent wear items to watch are the steering rack mounting bushes and the tie rod ends.

How long do steering rack bushes last on a Serena?
It varies with driving and road conditions, but many see 120,000–200,000 km. Heat, age, oil contamination, and rough roads shorten their life. If the steering feels loose, clunks over bumps, or the rack shows movement during a pry test, they’re due, regardless of kilometres.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing steering-bushes?
Yes. Even if the rack goes back in the same spot, fresh bushes can slightly alter its position. A proper alignment resets toe and keeps tyre wear even and steering feel spot-on.