Parts for your 2010 Nissan Serena-Control arms

2010 Nissan Serena Control Arms

Control arms are fitted to the 2010 Nissan Serena. Nissan’s Factory Service Manual for the C25/C26 Serena (Front Suspension section) specifies a MacPherson strut front suspension using a front lower arm (control arm) with integral ball joint and rubber bushes. Nissan’s Electronic Parts Catalogue and reputable aftermarket catalogues also list front lower control arm assemblies for 2010 Serena variants, with 2WD models running a torsion-beam rear (no rear control arms) and certain 4WD/multi-link models using additional rear control/trailing arms. These technical sources confirm the Serena does indeed use control arms.

On the 2010 Serena, the front control arms (often called lower arms or wishbones) locate the front wheels precisely while the suspension moves. Each arm ties the steering knuckle to the subframe via a ball joint and rubber bushes, so the wheel can steer and move up and down without shaking the cabin to bits. They keep camber and caster within spec, reduce vibration, and help the tyres wear evenly. When the bushes get tired or the ball joint loosens, the van can feel vague, wander on the motorway, or clunk over bumps.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the control arm bushes and ball joints every 20,000 km or annually—especially on vehicles doing school runs, long touring, or tackling rough Kiwi and Aussie roads. Look for cracked or oil-soaked bushes, torn ball joint boots, uneven tyre wear, pulling under braking, or a dull knock at low speed over speed humps. Any of those are a nudge to get the arms checked properly on a hoist.

• Replace in pairs left/right to keep handling balanced.
• Always torque inner pivot bolts at normal ride height so the bushes aren’t pre-loaded.
• Use quality OEM or reputable aftermarket arms, cheap bushes tend to creak and don’t last.
• Plan on a wheel alignment straight after replacement—the geometry will shift with fresh bushes.
• If the Serena has lived near the coast, expect seized bolts, penetrating fluid and new hardware save headaches.

DIYers will want a proper ball joint separator and to follow the FSM for torque values. Many Serena arms come complete with a pressed-in ball joint, which simplifies the job. Workshop time typically ranges from about an hour to a couple of hours per side depending on rust and model. Don’t keep driving if there’s excessive play at the ball joint—if it lets go, it’s game over for steering control. Kept in good nick, fresh control arms tighten up steering feel, protect your tyres, and make the Serena ride the way Nissan intended.

Q: How do they know if the Serena’s control arm bushes are worn?

A telltale clunk over low-speed bumps, shimmy in the steering, or uneven inner-edge tyre wear are common signs. On a hoist, look for cracked, split, or weeping bushes and any fore–aft movement of the arm when a pry bar is applied. A torn ball joint boot or free play at the joint also calls for replacement.

Q: Is a wheel alignment required after replacing front control arms on a 2010 Serena?

Yes. Fresh bushes and ball joints alter camber and toe, so an alignment is recommended straight away to protect tyres and ensure stable steering. Ask the shop to check front and rear alignment if the van has a multi-link rear.

Q: Can the ball joint be replaced separately, or is a complete arm needed?

Many Serena front lower arms are supplied with an integrated ball joint. Some aftermarket options offer separate joints, but a complete arm with pre-installed bushes and joint is often more reliable and quicker to fit. Confirm the setup against the VIN and the FSM before ordering.