Parts for your 2020 Nissan Serena-Centre bearing

Understanding the Centre-Bearing in the 2020 Nissan Serena

The 2020 Nissan Serena is a popular multi-purpose vehicle that many families and businesses in Australia rely on for its spacious interior and smooth driving experience. When it comes to its drivetrain components, some owners might wonder whether it has a centre-bearing or if one is even necessary. After checking technical resources and vehicle specifications, it turns out the 2020 Nissan Serena does not use a centre-bearing in its drivetrain layout.

So why is a centre-bearing not fitted on the 2020 Nissan Serena? The main reason relates to the vehicle's drivetrain design. The Serena features a transverse engine layout paired with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) system or an all-wheel-drive (AWD) arrangement that does not require a lengthy driveshaft with central support. Typically, centre-bearings are found in vehicles with a longitudinal engine configuration that use a two-piece driveshaft. This two-part driveshaft requires a support bearing positioned between the transmission and rear differential to reduce vibration, maintain alignment, and handle rotational forces.

Since the Serena utilises a compact transverse engine and transaxle, power is transferred directly to the front wheels without the need for a separate rear driveshaft. Even in AWD variants, the system usually employs shorter shafts to each wheel that do not require central support bearings. Consequently, there is no long driveshaft requiring a centre-bearing in this model.

Another factor is that the Serena is designed prioritising smooth and quiet operation, which is more achievable with the integrated drivetrain layout that avoids the complex mechanical components that necessitate a centre-bearing. The absence of the centre-bearing also means fewer maintenance concerns in this part of the drivetrain, which benefits owners looking for reliability and ease of servicing.

In vehicles like the Nissan Patrol or some commercial utes which have a longer wheelbase and a traditional rear-wheel-drive layout, centre-bearings are critical. They keep the driveshaft steady and reduce vibrations that would otherwise wear out the components prematurely. In the case of the Serena, none of these issues arise, so the design naturally avoids adding this part.

However, if an owner is searching for maintenance tips to keep their 2020 Nissan Serena's drivetrain in good shape, the focus should be on other components such as the CV joints, constant velocity boots, and drive shaft seals which play a more important role. Ensuring these parts are regularly checked and replaced if cracked, torn or leaking will keep the vehicle running smoothly without issues.

Even though the centre-bearing is not present, it's still important for Serena owners to keep up with routine servicing. Regular oil changes, transmission fluid checks, and inspecting suspension and steering components will contribute to a reliable driving experience. Additionally, if the vehicle is AWD, watching for signs of wear on the rear drive shafts and differentials is advisable.

In the rare case where a centre-bearing is discussed for this vehicle type, it might be in reference to aftermarket modifications or conversions, but from the factory perspective, Nissan did not equip the 2020 Serena with this part. So if you are sourcing replacement parts or performing maintenance, it's best to focus on components that are utilised in the Serena's drivetrain arrangement rather than hunting for a centre-bearing that does not exist in this model.