Parts for your 2017 Nissan Serena-Suspension bushes

2017 Nissan Serena suspension-bushes: what they do and when to replace them

Suspension-bushes are absolutely fitted to the 2017 Nissan Serena (C27). Technical sources that document this include the Nissan Factory Service Manual for the C27 Serena (Front Suspension – FSU, Rear Suspension – RSU, NVH sections), as well as the Nissan EPC/FAST parts catalogue showing front lower arm bushes, stabiliser (sway) bar D-bushes and link bushes, plus rear torsion-beam or multi-link arm bushes depending on drivetrain. Major aftermarket catalogues for the C27 also list specific bush part numbers for the Serena, confirming they’re serviceable items on this model.

On the 2017 Serena, these rubber (or elastomer) mounts cushion the connection points between suspension arms, sway bars and the body or subframe. Their job is to soak up vibration, keep road noise out of the cabin and hold wheel alignment steady under braking, cornering and bumps. When they’re healthy, the van tracks straight, rides quietly and treats tyres kindly. When they’re tired, drivers might notice clunks over speed humps, steering wander, shimmy under braking, harshness on coarse chip and uneven tyre wear.

For everyday motoring around Aotearoa and Australia, it’s smart to have suspension-bushes inspected at each service or at least every 20,000 km. Look for perishing, cracking, torn voids, separated sleeves or excessive movement with a pry bar. Oil contamination speeds up rubber degradation, so fix any weeps that might drip on bushes. If a bush is flogged out, replace it promptly to protect tyres and keep the Serena’s family-friendly ride and safety features performing as intended.

Replacement approach depends on the position. Many front lower control arms on the C27 are serviced as complete arm assemblies (bushes pre-fitted), which can save press time and ensure correct geometry. Sway bar D-bushes and link bushes are usually straightforward. Rear-end hardware varies by spec: 2WD models commonly use a torsion beam with big pivot bushes, while AWD/multi-link variants use multiple arm bushes. Always torque the bolts at normal ride height to avoid pre-loading the new bushes, and book a wheel alignment after any arm or subframe bush work. Stick with quality OEM-equivalent rubber for factory comfort, performance polyurethane can sharpen response but may add a bit of road feel. Avoid petroleum grease on rubber, if the design calls for lube (often only with certain aftermarket poly bushes), use the supplied silicone-based grease.

• Tell-tales: clunks, tramlining, uneven tyre wear, vague turn-in, brake shudder.
• Service tips: inspect regularly, replace in pairs on the same axle, align afterwards.
• Parts choice: OEM rubber for comfort, reputable brands only if going poly.

How can someone tell if the Serena’s suspension-bushes need replacing?

Listen for knocks over bumps, feel for steering wander or vibration under braking, and watch for uneven tyre wear. A workshop can confirm by checking for cracked or split rubber and excess movement with the suspension loaded. If in doubt, a quick alignment check can also reveal bush-related instability.

Which bushes typically wear first on a 2017 Nissan Serena?

Common candidates are front lower control arm rear bushes, sway bar D-bushes and link bushes. On high‑kilometre or heavily loaded vehicles, rear torsion-beam or multi-link arm bushes can also age sooner, especially if exposed to heat, oil or rough roads.

Does a wheel alignment need doing after bush replacement?

Yes. Any time control arms or subframe-mounted bushes are changed, it’s best practice to perform a four-wheel alignment. Fresh bushes restore geometry but can shift toe and camber slightly, aligning protects tyres and keeps the Serena tracking straight.