Parts for your 2020 Nissan Serena-Centre bearing

2020 Nissan Serena centre-bearing — is it used, and does it matter?

Based on technical sources, a centre bearing is not fitted to most 2020 Nissan Serena (C27) models. The Nissan Serena C27 Service Manual (Driveline — Propeller Shaft section) specifies that only 4WD variants use a propeller shaft assembly, and that’s the bit that can include a centre support bearing. Front-wheel drive and e-POWER models don’t have a propeller shaft at all, so there’s no centre bearing to service. Nissan’s e-POWER technical overview also notes the system is front-drive only, which rules out a tailshaft. The Nissan Electronic Parts Catalog (FAST/FAST Global) lists a centre support bearing under the propeller shaft group solely for 4WD model codes (e.g., GC27/GFC27).

Why isn’t a centre bearing used on most 2020 Serenas? Because the vehicle is built around a transverse front-drive layout. Power goes through a front transaxle and CVT to the front wheels via short driveshafts. A centre bearing is only needed when there’s a long, usually two-piece tailshaft running down the car to a rear differential — think traditional RWD or some 4WD layouts. No tailshaft, no centre bearing.

There are exceptions. Some Japan‑market 4WD Serena C27 variants do run a propeller shaft and therefore use a centre support bearing. If someone has one of those, the centre bearing becomes relevant.

• How to tell what’s fitted: check the model code (4WD codes such as GC27/GFC27 indicate a prop shaft), look underneath for a long tailshaft to the rear diff, or ask a driveline specialist to confirm.
• Common centre-bearing symptoms on 4WD versions include a low rumble at 40–80 km/h, a shudder on take‑off, or clunks when shifting from reverse to drive.

For the typical 2020 Serena seen in Australia and New Zealand (mostly FWD or e-POWER imports), a centre bearing isn’t part of routine servicing because it isn’t fitted. Focus instead on CVT fluid service intervals, engine mounts, front driveshaft CV boots, and regular wheel alignment and tyre rotation.

Popular questions about 2020 Nissan Serena centre-bearing

Does a 2020 Nissan Serena have a centre bearing?
Most don’t. FWD and e-POWER versions don’t use a centre bearing because they have no propeller shaft. Only certain 4WD C27 variants have a tailshaft and a centre support bearing.

Which Serena models use a centre bearing?
4WD C27 models (often coded GC27/GFC27 in Nissan documentation) include a propeller shaft with a centre support bearing. The FWD and e-POWER models listed in the Nissan Serena C27 Service Manual under standard driveline specs do not.

How can an owner tell if their Serena’s centre bearing needs attention?
On 4WD models, signs include a droning or rumbling noise that’s speed‑related, vibration under load, or a shudder on take‑off. If those show up, a driveline inspection is wise. If the vehicle is FWD/e-POWER, it won’t have a centre bearing, so look instead at tyres, wheel bearings, or driveshaft CV joints.