Parts for your 2015 Nissan Serena-Steering bushes

2015 Nissan Serena steering bushes — what they do and when to sort them out

Based on the Nissan Serena C26 Service Manual (ST: Steering System) and Nissan’s FAST electronic parts catalogue (which lists the “insulator–steering gear”), the 2015 Nissan Serena is fitted with steering bushes. The electric-assisted rack-and-pinion steering gear mounts to the front crossmember via rubber insulators/bushes, and the column uses internal bushings as well. So yes — steering bushes are relevant on this model.

On the Serena, those bushes keep the steering rack properly located while soaking up vibration and road shock. They help the driver feel consistent on-centre response and reduce noise and harshness in the cabin. When the bushes harden, crack, or deform with age, the rack can shift a touch under load. That’s when owners start noticing vague steering, a dull clunk over bumps, or a little shimmy when turning into driveways.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but it’s smart to have the bushes inspected at regular servicing — say every 60,000 km or when chasing front-end knocks. Technicians will check for:

• Visible cracking, splitting, or excessive compression of the rack mounting insulators
• Any rack movement relative to the subframe while an assistant rocks the steering wheel
• Loose or stretched mounting hardware

Because the 2015 Serena uses electric power steering, there’s no hydraulic fluid to leak — any steering knock is more likely wear in bushes, inner tie rods, or ball joints. If bushes are tired, replace them in pairs with quality OEM-equivalent parts. Polyurethane options may tighten steering feel but can add a bit more vibration, most owners stick with rubber for comfort.

Replacement involves safely supporting the rack, relieving load on the mounts, swapping the insulators, and torquing fasteners to the factory spec from the Nissan manual. Disconnect the battery if working near EPS wiring. A wheel alignment isn’t always mandatory after rack-bush replacement, but it’s a good idea if the subframe was loosened or if the vehicle already showed uneven tyre wear.

As part of ongoing maintenance, keep an ear out for new clunks, monitor tyre wear patterns, and get the front end checked promptly if the steering starts to feel vague. Catching worn bushes early keeps the Serena driving tight and tidy without unnecessary tyre or component wear.

Does a 2015 Nissan Serena actually have steering bushes?
Yes. Nissan documentation for the C26 generation shows the steering gear mounted to the front crossmember with rubber “insulator–steering gear” bushes, and the column contains internal bushings. They’re there to locate the rack and control NVH.

How long do steering bushes last on a Serena, and what might it cost to replace them?
Lifespan depends on roads and load, but many last 80,000–150,000 km. In Australia or New Zealand, expect a ballpark of a couple of hours’ labour plus parts — often in the range of a few hundred dollars, varying by workshop and bush material.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing Serena steering bushes?
Not always, as toe isn’t directly adjusted at the rack bushes. However, if the subframe was loosened or the alignment was marginal beforehand, a post-repair alignment is recommended to keep steering straight and tyre wear even.