Parts for your 2016 Nissan Serena-Centre bearing

Centre Bearing on the 2016 Nissan Serena: Is It Used and What to Know

The 2016 Nissan Serena is a popular multi-purpose vehicle known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, especially in markets like Australia. When it comes to driveline components, one part that often gets attention in vehicles with longer driveshafts is the centre bearing. However, the question is whether the 2016 Nissan Serena actually uses a centre bearing and what role it plays, if any, in this particular model.

Looking at the technical specifications and drivetrain layout of the 2016 Nissan Serena, this vehicle primarily features a front-wheel drive (FWD) system with a transverse-mounted engine. This configuration usually means the power is transmitted directly from the engine and transmission to the front wheels through relatively short driveshafts called half-shafts. Because the driveshafts in a FWD setup are short and independent, the need for a long single driveshaft with a centre support bearing is eliminated.

A centre bearing is typically found in vehicles that have a two-piece driveshaft. These are commonly rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles where the driveshaft spans a long distance from the transmission to the differential. The centre bearing supports the driveshaft midway, helping to reduce vibration and maintain alignment during rotation. Since the Nissan Serena 2016 model uses a FWD layout with half-shafts connected directly to the transaxle, the use of a centre bearing is not relevant nor necessary in this vehicle's drivetrain design.

Because there is no centre bearing in the 2016 Nissan Serena, it avoids the issues related to centre bearing wear such as vibrations, noises, or the risk of driveshaft failure that might occur in RWD or 4WD vehicles with multi-piece driveshafts. Instead, the Serena's front half-shafts utilise CV (constant velocity) joints that allow smooth power delivery and articulation of the suspension without the need for the extra support a centre bearing provides.

Now, although the 2016 Serena does not have a centre bearing, it's still important for owners to keep an eye on other driveline components like the CV joints and boots during regular servicing. These parts are more prone to wear and tear especially with high mileage or harsh road conditions. Neglecting the CV joints can lead to clicking noises during turns or even complete joint failure, which requires replacement. So, while there's no centre bearing, it's a good idea to maintain a regular inspection regime to catch any early warning signs related to the half-shafts.

In contrast, if the Nissan Serena were fitted with a centre bearing, servicing advice would focus on checking for signs of bearing wear such as excessive play, roughness, or noise when spinning. Replacing the centre bearing typically involves removing the driveshaft and carefully separating the two halves, then swapping out the worn bearing and any associated carrier or bracket components. Fitting new bearings with proper lubrication and ensuring alignment is crucial to prevent vibrations and driveline imbalance. Regular greasing schedules and visual inspections would be recommended to extend the centre bearing's life and prevent costly problems down the track.

With the 2016 Nissan Serena's design, the absence of the centre bearing actually simplifies driveline maintenance for owners. There is no centre support to break down or cause vibrations, which could translate to fewer mechanical issues related to the driveshaft. Instead, the focus remains on keeping the CV joints and boots in good condition, as well as monitoring the transmission and front differential fluid levels according to Nissan's service schedule.

To recap, the 2016 Nissan Serena does not use a centre bearing because its FWD transverse engine layout uses short half-shafts rather than a long single driveshaft. The centre bearing is a crucial component in certain driveline systems to maintain support in long driveshafts, but it simply isn't relevant here. For Serena owners, this means less complexity and potentially lower maintenance costs regarding driveshaft components. The key is regular maintenance of CV joints and other front driveline parts as part of routine servicing, ensuring the vehicle stays smooth and reliable on the road.