Parts for your 2017 Nissan Serena-Centre bearing

2017 Nissan Serena centre-bearing: used or not?

Short answer: on most 2017 Nissan Serena C27 vans, a centre-bearing isn’t fitted because the vehicle is front‑wheel drive and doesn’t use a propeller shaft. The only exception is the less common 4WD variants, which do run a two‑piece prop shaft with a centre support (centre) bearing. This conclusion is backed by the Nissan Serena C27 Service Manual (2016–2020) in the Driveline/Propeller Shaft (DLN) section, which details a centre support bearing only for 4WD models, and by the Nissan Electronic Parts Catalog (FAST), Group 37 Propeller Shaft, which lists the centre bearing assembly against 4WD grades while showing no such part for 2WD grades.

Why isn’t a centre-bearing used on the typical 2WD 2017 Serena? The Serena’s transaxle sits up front and drives the front wheels via short left and right driveshafts (CV axles). There’s no long propeller shaft running down the tunnel, so there’s nothing to support in the middle of the vehicle—hence, no centre/hanger bearing. That’s one less item to service, and one less source of vibration as the kilometres add up.

If the van’s showing a hum or vibration and it’s a 2WD, the cause will be elsewhere. Common suspects on these are:

• Tyres and wheels (flat spots, out-of-balance, bent rims)
• Front CV joints (especially inner tripod joints under load)
• Engine and transmission mounts
• Wheel bearings or brake rotor runout
• Suspension bushes and alignment

How to tell which Serena you’ve got? 4WD models generally carry model codes denoting 4WD in the compliance/option plate and include a rear differential. A quick underbody look: if there’s a propeller shaft running from front to rear with a rubber‑mounted support in the middle, that’s the centre-bearing. If there’s no prop shaft, it’s 2WD and the centre-bearing simply doesn’t apply.

Technical sources referenced: Nissan Serena C27 Service Manual (Driveline/Propeller Shaft—DLN/PROP sections) outlining the centre support bearing only for 4WD, Nissan Electronic Parts Catalog (FAST), C27 Serena, Group 37 Propeller Shaft, which assigns the centre support bearing to 4WD variants and omits it for 2WD. These factory documents are the basis for workshop procedures and parts selection on C27 models in Japan and export markets, including NZ imports.

• Popular questions related to 2017 Nissan Serena centre-bearing

Does my 2017 Serena have a centre-bearing?
If it’s a 2WD (the majority of NZ/AU imports), no—it doesn’t have a propeller shaft, so there’s no centre-bearing. If it’s a 4WD variant, yes, it uses a two‑piece prop shaft supported by a centre-bearing. Check for a rear diff, a prop shaft under the floor, or 4WD noted on the model plate.

What’s causing vibration on my 2WD Serena if there’s no centre-bearing?
Most shake or droning on a 2WD Serena comes down to tyres/wheels, front CV joints, wheel bearings, or engine/trans mounts. Start with a wheel balance/tyre inspection, then have a technician check the CVs and mounts if the vibration persists under acceleration or at specific speeds.

If I have the 4WD Serena, when should the centre-bearing be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval, it’s condition‑based. Signs include a speed‑related hum, a thump on take‑off, or visible cracking in the bearing’s rubber support. A good workshop will inspect the prop shaft and centre-bearing during regular services and replace the bearing if there’s play or the rubber is torn, keeping the prop shaft aligned and the ride smooth.