Parts for your 2014 Nissan Serena-Struts

2014 Nissan Serena Struts — what they do and how to look after them

Technical sources including the Nissan C26 Serena Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension section, MacPherson type), Nissan FAST/EPC parts listings, and major damper catalogues from KYB and Monroe identify the 2014 Nissan Serena (C26) as using MacPherson struts on the front axle, with separate coil springs and shock absorbers at the rear. So, struts are absolutely relevant to this model at the front.

On the 2014 Serena, the front struts do double duty: they dampen bumps and also act as a structural part of the suspension, keeping the front end aligned as the wheels move up and down. That’s why a tired strut affects not just ride comfort but also steering feel, braking stability, and tyre wear. The rear end, by contrast, uses non-structural shocks, so most of the “strut talk” for this van is about the front pair.

For everyday Aussie and Kiwi driving—school runs, motorway stints, and the odd corrugated backroad—the original front struts typically last a long while, but they’re still consumables. As they age, internal valving wears and the gas charge fades, leading to extra body roll, nose dive, or a floaty feel over undulations. Because the strut supports alignment geometry, a weak unit can nudge the van off its marks and scrub the tyres faster.

Good servicing practice is to inspect front struts at each major service or WOF/safety check. Look for oil seepage on the body, perished bump stops, cracked dust boots, and play or grittiness in the upper mount/bearing. If one side is leaking or weak, replace struts in pairs. It’s also smart to renew the top mounts, bearings, and boots while you’re in there—parts are relatively inexpensive compared with the labour to pull it all apart again.

• Book a wheel alignment after strut replacement.
• Listen for clunks over speed humps—often a sign of a failed mount or worn strut.
• Watch for uneven or rapid tyre wear, steering shimmy, or longer braking distances.
• Expect service life to vary with loads and roads, many owners refresh fronts between roughly 80,000–150,000 km.
• Use quality, Serena-specific struts to maintain correct ride height and damping.

Looked after properly, fresh front struts make the Serena feel tighter, more settled in crosswinds, and kinder to tyres—ideal for family trips and city runs alike.

Popular questions about 2014 Nissan Serena struts

Does the 2014 Serena have struts at the rear as well?

No—on the C26 Serena, only the front uses MacPherson struts. The rear runs separate shocks and springs on a beam-type setup. So if someone mentions “rear struts” on this model, they’re really talking about rear shock absorbers.

How can someone tell if the front struts need replacing?

Common clues include knocking over bumps, a floaty or bouncy ride, increased body roll, nose dive under braking, or uneven tyre wear. Visible oil on the strut body is a giveaway. If the van feels unsettled in crosswinds or tramlines in ruts, it’s another sign the fronts are tired.

Should front struts be replaced in pairs?

Yes. Replacing both fronts keeps damping and ride height balanced left to right, which protects tyres and helps the van track straight. It’s also wise to fit new top mounts/bearings and get a wheel alignment immediately after the job.