Parts for your 2020 Nissan Serena-Control arms

2020 Nissan Serena Control Arms

Control arms are absolutely relevant to the 2020 Nissan Serena (C27 series, including e-POWER). Technical references such as the Nissan C27 Electronic Service Manual (Front Suspension section) and Nissan’s Electronic Parts Catalogue list a MacPherson strut front suspension with a lower control arm carrying the ball joint and bushes. Aftermarket catalogues for the C27 also supply complete front lower arm assemblies for this model. The rear of most FWD Serena variants uses a torsion beam/trailing arm setup, so “control arm” on this vehicle chiefly refers to the front lower arms.

On the Serena, the front control arms locate the front hubs, set caster and camber within design tolerances, and let the suspension pivot smoothly via the rubber bushes. They carry the lower ball joint, managing braking, cornering and bump loads, while isolating noise, vibration and harshness so the cabin stays quiet and comfortable for family duties.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but the bushes and ball joint are wear items. High kilometres, speed humps, kerb strikes and rough roads around Australia and New Zealand can accelerate wear. Common signs that the Serena’s control arms or bushes need attention include:

• Clunks or knocks over bumps, or a thud on take-off or braking
• Steering wander, shimmy under braking, or vague turn-in
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear on the front
• Visible bush cracking, oil-soaked rubber, or a torn ball-joint boot

When replacement is due, most workshops prefer complete arm assemblies with pre-fitted bushes and ball joint, saving time and ensuring correct press-fit. Quality OEM or reputable aftermarket arms suit the Serena well, if one side is worn and kilometres are high, doing both fronts helps keep steering feel consistent.

Good service practice on the Serena includes:

• Marking positions and tightening arm pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading new bushes
• Replacing any single-use nuts, cotter pins or pinch bolts as specified by Nissan
• Booking a four-wheel alignment immediately after the job
• Inspecting sway bar links, front strut mounts and tyres while the front end is apart

Regular inspections at routine services (every 10,000–15,000 km is common locally) will catch early bush or ball-joint wear before it affects safety or WOF/roadworthy compliance.

Popular questions about 2020 Nissan Serena control arms

Does the 2020 Nissan Serena have front or rear control arms?
The Serena uses front lower control arms as part of its MacPherson strut setup. The rear is typically a torsion beam/trailing arm arrangement on FWD models, so the term “control arm” mainly applies to the front of this vehicle.

How long do Serena control-arm bushes last?
There’s no fixed lifespan. Many vehicles see well over 80,000–120,000 km before notable wear, but rough roads, heavy loads and frequent stop–start driving can shorten that. Regular checks during servicing help catch cracks, play or torn boots early.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?
Yes. Because the control arm influences camber and caster, replacing it can shift alignment. A proper alignment afterwards protects tyres and restores stable steering.