Parts for your 2013 Nissan Serena-Wheel hubs

2013 Nissan Serena wheel hubs — what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources confirm the 2013 Nissan Serena (C26 series) is fitted with wheel hub and bearing assemblies. The Nissan Serena C26 Service Manual (Front Axle – FAX, Rear Axle – RAX) details bolt-on hub units with integrated bearings and ABS encoder rings. The Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue (FAST) lists front hub/bearing under group 40202 and rear hub/bearing under 43202 for C26 models. Numerous OEM cross-references (e.g., 40202-xxxxx front, 43202-xxxxx rear, variant-dependent) and bearing catalogues from NSK/NTN also cover these hub assemblies. So, wheel hubs are absolutely relevant on the 2013 Serena.

On the 2013 Serena, the wheel hub assembly sits between the wheel and the suspension knuckle. It houses a sealed bearing, supports the vehicle’s weight, keeps the wheel spinning smoothly, and carries the wheel studs. Most variants also have the ABS encoder built in, so the hub talks to the stability and traction systems. It’s a quiet achiever—when it’s healthy, nobody notices, when it’s worn, every drive can sound like an aircraft taking off.

These hubs are sealed and non-serviceable, which means there’s no greasing or adjusting. As part of routine servicing, a good workshop will spin each wheel by hand, listen for rumbling, check for free play, and look for uneven tyre wear or an ABS light. A light coating of anti-seize on the wheel-to-hub face (not on threads or braking surfaces) helps combat corrosion common in coastal Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

Replacement is straightforward but precise. The Serena’s hubs are bolt-on units: the old assembly is unbolted from the knuckle and a new one fitted. Best practice is to use new hub bolts and axle nut, torque everything to factory spec, and avoid hammering on the studs. If the vehicle has seen a few winters or beach trips, expect some corrosion holding the hub to the knuckle—penetrant and patience go a long way. Many owners replace hubs in pairs on the same axle if kilometres are high, especially if noise is present on both sides.

Common signs it’s time for new hubs include:

• A droning or humming that gets louder with road speed and may change when steering left or right
• Noticeable play when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock
• ABS or traction warning lights, sometimes with intermittent pulsing under braking
• Heat around the hub after a drive or accelerated, uneven tyre wear

Quality matters here—choose reputable brands and have the work done by a technician with the right tools for pressing/torquing where required. A tidy hub job restores quiet running, protects tyres, and keeps ABS/ESC behaving as it should.

How long do Serena wheel hubs usually last?

Many see 120,000–200,000 km, but life varies with road quality, wheel impacts, tyre size, and exposure to water or salt. Vehicles doing school runs on smooth roads often go longer, those tackling rough or coastal routes may need hubs sooner. Regular checks at service time help catch issues early.

Can the Serena’s wheel bearings be greased or adjusted?

No. The 2013 Serena uses sealed hub-and-bearing units. They’re not designed to be opened or adjusted. If there’s noise, roughness, or play, the cure is replacement of the complete hub assembly on that corner.

Is it safe to drive with a noisy hub, and can it affect ABS?

Driving on a failing hub isn’t recommended. As wear increases, braking distances can suffer, the ABS/traction systems may throw warnings or behave erratically, and tyre wear can spike. If there’s droning that changes with speed or steering, get it inspected and sorted promptly.