Parts for your 2012 Nissan Serena-Strut mounts

Understanding Strut Mounts on the 2012 Nissan Serena

The 2012 Nissan Serena is a popular multi-purpose vehicle that is designed primarily for family use and practical transportation. When it comes to suspension components like strut mounts, it's important to understand whether this vehicle actually uses them and what role they play if present. Strut mounts can often be a bit of a mystery to the average driver, but they are quite important for the handling and comfort of many vehicles.

To start, the Nissan Serena from 2012 typically does not use strut mounts in the way you might find on vehicles built with MacPherson strut suspension. This is because the Serena generally utilises a different type of front suspension setup, most commonly a double wishbone or multi-link configuration for the front and a torsion beam or multi-link for the rear, depending on the market and variant. These setups usually do not require strut mounts because the suspension does not incorporate struts in the MacPherson sense.

Struts combine the shock absorber and the coil spring into one assembly and require a mounting point on the vehicle's body which includes the strut mount. This mount not only secures the strut but also isolates road noise and absorbs vibrations, sometimes featuring a bearing to allow the strut to rotate with the steering.

Given the 2012 Nissan Serena's suspension design, struts and their mounts are not typically part of the equation. So why are strut mounts not used on this model? It comes down to the suspension geometry and the engineering focus on ride quality and handling suited to a people mover rather than sporty driving dynamics. Vehicles like the Serena prioritise space, passenger comfort, and stability over sharper steering responses which is why a double wishbone or multi-link suspension is preferred.

With these suspension designs, traditional shock absorbers and coil springs are used separately rather than combined into a strut. This setup does not need a strut mount, instead, the shocks and springs are attached to control arms and chassis points with rubber bushings and separate mounts designed specifically for those components. This helps improve durability and makes servicing easier as individual components can be replaced without removing a full strut assembly or its mount.

So, if you own a 2012 Nissan Serena, you won't find strut mounts to replace or maintain. Instead, attention should be given to the condition of the shock absorbers, coil springs, control arm bushings, and other suspension parts. Maintaining these components is key to a smooth ride and safe handling experience.

That said, understanding what a strut mount does can be helpful if you're dealing with other vehicles in your life or just want to know a bit more about suspension systems in general. Strut mounts provide a secure mounting point for struts, and typically include a bearing that allows the strut assembly to pivot when you steer. This reduces noise and vibration from the road, improving the comfort and steering feel. Over time, strut mounts can wear out, causing clunking noises or rough handling. Replacing them as part of suspension servicing helps restore original ride quality and vehicle safety.

Proper maintenance of any suspension system, whether it involves strut mounts or not, involves regular inspection for worn or damaged components. For the Nissan Serena, this means checking shock absorbers for leaks or poor damping, ensuring coil springs are intact and not sagging, and inspecting bushings and joints for wear. Regular servicing at around 30,000 to 50,000 kilometres or as advised in the manufacturer's schedule can prevent bigger suspension problems down the track.

In conclusion, the 2012 Nissan Serena does not typically feature strut mounts due to its suspension design choices. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining the health of its shock absorbers and other suspension parts. This approach aligns with the vehicle's emphasis on comfort, practicality, and family-friendly driving attributes. If this vehicle's suspension starts feeling off or noisy, a thorough check of shocks, springs and bushings will usually get the job done, keeping the Serena riding smoothly and safely for many kilometres to come.