Parts for your 2016 Nissan Serena-Struts

Understanding Struts on the 2016 Nissan Serena

The 2016 Nissan Serena is a popular people mover known for its spacious interior and practical design. When it comes to its suspension system, it's important to know whether struts play a role in how the vehicle handles the road. After digging into the technical details and vehicle specifications, it turns out the 2016 Nissan Serena does not actually use struts in its suspension setup. Instead, this model uses shock absorbers paired with coil springs in a more traditional suspension arrangement.

So, why aren't struts used on the Nissan Serena? The short answer lies in the vehicle's design priorities and suspension layout. Struts are often found on passenger cars and smaller SUVs because they combine a shock absorber and a structural component into one unit. This setup allows the strut to serve as part of the vehicle's steering and suspension geometry, often making them a space-saving and weight-efficient solution.

However, the Nissan Serena employs a different approach with its front suspension. It uses MacPherson strut-style suspension, a close cousin to struts but technically a little different in how the components are integrated. But at the rear, the Serena utilises a torsion beam rear suspension rather than independent struts or shocks. This choice is common in many multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) and people movers because it offers simplicity, reliability, and maximises interior cargo space.

The absence of traditional struts in the rear suspension of the 2016 Nissan Serena means the vehicle forgoes the typical combined structural and damping unit in favour of separate shocks and coil springs up front, and a torsion beam setup at the back. The torsion beam suspension is a more cost-effective and durable design suited for vehicles focused on space and passenger comfort over sporty handling characteristics. It also helps keep maintenance straightforward.

While the term "struts" can sometimes cause confusion since MacPherson struts are often talked about as a single part in automotive servicing, it is clear that the 2016 Nissan Serena does not rely on struts as a fundamental part of its suspension system like many smaller cars do. Instead, it uses shocks and springs alongside a rear torsion beam.

This means when it comes to servicing the suspension on a 2016 Nissan Serena, the focus is usually on inspecting and possibly replacing shock absorbers, bushings, and ensuring the torsion beam suspension components are in good working order. Although the front suspension shares similarities with struts in design, the entire suspension system does not lean on the typical strut system found on other vehicles.

That said, it is still important to understand why struts, when fitted to other vehicles, are vital components and why keeping them in good condition matters so much. Struts act like a hybrid between a shock absorber and a structural support for suspension and steering parts. This means they take on multiple roles:

• Providing damping to absorb bumps and control ride comfort
• Supporting the vehicle's weight as part of the suspension geometry
• Maintaining alignment by holding wheels in the correct position during travel

Vehicles with strut-based suspensions often experience more direct steering feedback and compact packaging, but they can be more involved to replace because struts usually come with coil springs mounted around them, which are under pressure and need special tools and care to swap out safely. Regular servicing schedules advise inspecting the struts for leaks, wear, and loss of damping ability.

For a person owning a vehicle fitted with struts, replacing them when worn is crucial because worn struts can cause uneven tyre wear, poor handling, extended braking distances, and increased risk of suspension damage. Strut replacement is typically recommended anywhere between 80,000 to 120,000 kilometres, but it can depend on driving conditions and vehicle use. A smooth and safe ride depends heavily on well-maintained strut components.

Since the Nissan Serena doesn't use struts in the more conventional sense, owners should instead keep an eye on the shocks and torsion beam parts during servicing. Regular checks will help ensure the suspension continues to absorb shocks efficiently, maintain wheel alignment, and provide stable, comfortable handling for all those family trips or everyday errands.

Whether your vehicle uses struts or not, maintaining a good suspension system is a key part of vehicle safety and comfort. Each system - in the Serena's case, shocks and torsion beams - has its own service needs and knowing what to look for can save headaches down the track. Look out for symptoms like bouncy rides, noises from the suspension, or a car that feels unsettled around corners - these can indicate it's time for a professional inspection.

In the end, while struts don't feature in the rear suspension of the 2016 Nissan Serena, understanding how different suspension components work helps owners appreciate the design choices Nissan has made. The Serena's suspension prioritises robustness and space efficiency, making it a practical choice for a well-loved Australian family favourite.