Parts for your 2017 Nissan Serena-Centre bearing

Understanding the Centre Bearing on the 2017 Nissan Serena

The 2017 Nissan Serena is a popular people mover known for its smooth ride and reliable performance. When it comes to drivetrain components like the centre bearing, it's important to know whether this part plays a role in the vehicle's operation. After checking into the technical specifications and drivetrain layout for the 2017 Nissan Serena, it turns out that a centre bearing is not fitted on this model.

So why is a centre bearing not used on the 2017 Nissan Serena? The key lies in the vehicle's drivetrain design. The Serena predominantly uses a front-wheel-drive system paired with a transversely mounted engine. In simpler terms, the engine and transmission sit sideways in the engine bay, sending power straight to the front wheels through relatively short drive shafts. This setup doesn't require a traditional long driveshaft extending from the front to the rear axle, which is where centre bearings usually come into play.

Centre bearings are typically part of a two-piece driveshaft arrangement found in rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles with a longitudinal engine layout. In these systems, the driveshaft is split into sections to manage length and flex, and the centre bearing supports the shaft where it's split, reducing vibration and ensuring smooth rotation.

Since the Serena does not have that kind of driveshaft, there simply isn't a need for a centre bearing. Instead, most of the drivetrain components in the 2017 Serena involve constant velocity (CV) joints and half-shafts that directly connect the transmission to the front wheels. These CV joints are designed to accommodate suspension movement and steering angles without the need for intermediary supports like a centre bearing.

For those who might be more familiar with rear-wheel-drive SUVs or trucks, which often have a centre bearing, it's worth highlighting that the Nissan Serena's design is aimed at efficiency, space saving, and passenger comfort. Front-wheel-drive systems reduce complexity and allow for a flatter floor in the cabin, perfect for a family hauler like the Serena.

So, if someone hears talk about a centre bearing for the 2017 Nissan Serena, it's a bit of a red herring. Any noises or vibrations that might be suspected from the driveshaft area would more likely be related to CV joints, wheel bearings, or suspension components rather than a centre bearing. Servicing and maintenance should therefore focus on these parts rather than looking for a non-existent centre bearing.

In essence, the absence of a centre bearing in the 2017 Nissan Serena illustrates how different vehicle architectures require different solutions. The front-wheel-drive layout means no long driveshaft and no centre bearing to support it, simplifying maintenance and reducing one potential source of drivetrain issues.