Parts for your 2012 Nissan Serena-Struts

Understanding the Struts on the 2012 Nissan Serena

The 2012 Nissan Serena is a popular people mover known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, making it a favourite for families and those needing extra room. When it comes to the vehicle's suspension, a common question that pops up is whether the Serena uses struts or another type of suspension setup. After digging into technical references and Nissan's own materials, it turns out that the 2012 Nissan Serena does use struts on the front suspension, but with a different setup on the rear.

Struts are an integral part of many modern car suspensions, especially on front ends, and the Serena is no exception. Typically, a McPherson strut assembly is used for the front suspension. This design combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into one single unit which saves space and weight, making it perfect for front-wheel-drive vans like the Serena.

For the rear suspension, however, the 2012 Nissan Serena commonly uses a torsion beam or multi-link setup rather than struts. This choice helps maximise interior space and maintain ride comfort for passengers. So, struts are indeed relevant but only on the front axle of the Serena.

With that out of the way, here's a handy breakdown on the purpose of struts in vehicles like the 2012 Nissan Serena, and some friendly tips for maintenance and replacement.

Struts do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to a car's suspension system. At their core, struts serve two main purposes: absorbing shocks and supporting the vehicle's weight. On a 2012 Nissan Serena, the front struts act as part of the suspension and steering system. Unlike separate shock absorbers which only dampen the ride, struts also provide structural support. This means they help keep the tyres firmly planted on the road while allowing the front wheels to pivot for steering.

The combination of coil springs and shock absorbers inside the strut helps smooth out the bumps and dips that come with everyday driving. This is pretty important in a vehicle like the Serena, which is often loaded up with family and gear. A well-functioning strut assembly ensures ride stability and comfort so passengers don't feel every little bump.

Maintenance of the struts is crucial for keeping the Serena running safely and smoothly. Over time, struts wear out due to constant compression and extension as the car hits rough spots or uneven roads. Signs that it might be time to service or replace the struts include a bumpy ride, excessive bouncing after hitting a pothole, uneven tyre wear, or noticeable nose-diving when braking.

Servicing the struts normally involves a full inspection during regular vehicle check-ups. Mechanics will look for oil leaks around the strut assembly, corrosion on components, or any dents and physical damage. They'll also assess how much the shocking component of the strut is absorbing impacts by performing bounce tests or using diagnostic tools. If any issues are found, replacement is often the best route because once struts start to fail, they won't get better without being swapped out.

Replacing front struts on a 2012 Nissan Serena should ideally be done as a pair to maintain balanced handling on both sides. It's also a good time to check and perhaps replace related parts such as strut mounts, bearings, or bushings, as these can wear out over time and impact the overall effectiveness of the suspension.

Moreover, regular maintenance of the struts aligns with keeping other areas of the vehicle in check, such as wheel alignment and tyre condition. Worn struts can cause alignment issues, which in turn lead to early tyre wear or a feeling that the car pulls to one side.

For everyday drivers of the Serena, especially those clocking up a fair few kilometres on urban roads or highways, staying on top of strut health is a sensible move. Not only does it keep the ride comfortable for all aboard, but it also enhances safety by maintaining the vehicle's handling and braking performance.

In short, struts are a key piece of the 2012 Nissan Serena's front suspension system. They absorb shocks, support the vehicle, and directly impact how well the car handles. While they don't last forever, regular checks and timely replacement will keep your Serena riding smoothly and safely for years to come.