Parts for your 2014 Nissan Serena-Steering bushes

2014 Nissan Serena steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Based on the Nissan C26 Serena Electronic Service Manual (ESM) Steering (ST) section and Nissan FAST/parts-catalogue listings for the 2014 model year, the Serena uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with rubber mounting insulators (commonly called steering bushes) securing the rack to the front subframe. The column assembly also incorporates bushings to control play. So yes — steering bushes are fitted to the 2014 Nissan Serena, and they’re very much relevant to steering feel and noise control.

On this Serena’s electric power steering (EPS) rack, the bushes act as isolators. They keep the rack properly located while damping vibration and road shock, which helps the van track straight and keeps kickback out of the wheel. When these bushes age, soften or split, the rack can shift slightly under load. That shows up as a dull knock over bumps, vague on-centre feel, tramlining, or a momentary clunk when turning at low speed or braking into a driveway. It can also accelerate inner or outer tyre wear because the geometry isn’t being held as consistently under load.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to visually inspect the rack-mount bushes for cracks, perishing, or ovaling, and to lever-check for rack movement while an assistant nudges the wheel. Because the C26 runs EPS, there’s no power-steering fluid to leak onto the bushes, but engine oil or road grime can still degrade the rubber over time. If replacement is needed, a technician will support the rack, remove the mounting bolts, swap the insulators, and torque everything to the ESM spec. A wheel alignment should follow, as the rack has been disturbed.

Owners who want sharper steering can be tempted by polyurethane bushes. On a family MPV like the Serena, sticking with quality OEM-style rubber tends to preserve the low NVH the vehicle’s known for, poly can add steering precision but often raises cabin vibration and noise. Whatever the material, replacing tired bushes sooner rather than later prevents collateral wear on tie-rod ends and keeps the van pleasant to drive on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

• Typical inspection interval: check every service, or roughly every 20,000–30,000 km.
• Common symptoms: front-end clunk, vague steering, wandering, or uneven tyre wear.
• Post-repair: always book an alignment and recheck fastener torque after a short shakedown.

FAQs

Does the 2014 Nissan Serena actually have steering bushes?
Yes. The C26 Serena’s rack-and-pinion EPS unit mounts to the subframe with rubber insulators (steering bushes). The Nissan ESM and parts catalogue show these as serviceable items, and they’re a known wear point that affects steering feel and NVH.

How often should the steering bushes be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre limit. Have them inspected at each service, many last well past 100,000 km, but heat, age, and rough roads can shorten life. Replace when there’s visible cracking, softness, or detectable rack movement, or if symptoms like clunks and wandering appear.

Can polyurethane bushes be used on a Serena?
They can, but for a people-mover the trade-off often isn’t worth it. Poly bushes can tighten steering feel a touch, yet they usually transmit more vibration. Most owners prefer OEM-style rubber for comfort and quiet, especially on long Kiwi or Aussie drives.