Owners Nissan Serena C27 are often faced with the need to increase ground clearance or improve the handling of a minivan. One of the most popular and affordable solutions are spacers - parts that are installed between the body and the shock absorber struts or springs. But how to choose the right spacers for C27so as not to harm the suspension and get the expected effect?

In this article we will look at all the nuances: from the types of spacers (aluminum, polyurethane, plastic) to step-by-step installation instructions. You will find out which brands are trustworthy, how to avoid installation mistakes and what the owners say Serena C27 after a year of operation with spacers. And also - unique data on the compatibility of spacers with different modifications of the C27 (including versions with 4WD all-wheel drive).

Why install spacers on Nissan Serena C27?

Minivan Nissan Serena C27 (2012–2022) is famous for its comfort and spacious interior, but the factory ground clearance is 150–160 mm (depending on the configuration) does not always suit the owners. Spacers solve several key problems:

  • 🚙 Increased ground clearance by 15–50 mm without replacing springs or shock absorbers - important for driving on dirt roads or snow.
  • 🔧 Suspension geometry correction after replacing the springs with stiffer or shorter ones (for example, during tuning).
  • 💰 Budget alternative to lift kits — the cost of spacers is 3–5 times lower than a full suspension lift.
  • ⚖️ Body alignment when springs sag (a common problem after 100,000 km).

However, spacers are not a panacea. They change the vehicle's center of gravity, which can affect stability at high speeds And wear of suspension elements. For example, when lifting by 30+ mm, it is also recommended to install extended stabilizer links, otherwise knocking will occur on uneven surfaces.

⚠️ Attention: On versions Serena C27 4WD with the system ATTESA E-TS Spacers thicker than 20 mm can cause all-wheel drive malfunctions due to changes in the angles of the driveshafts. Consult a suspension specialist before installation!

Types of spacers for Serena C27: which ones are better?

Spacers for Nissan Serena C27 are divided into three types based on material and design. Each has pros and cons that are important to consider when choosing:

Spacer type Material Pros Cons Cost (per set)
Interturn Polyurethane, rubber Easy installation (does not require disassembling the stand), softness Subsidence over time, only suitable for lifts up to 20 mm 1 500–3 000 ₽
Under the spring Aluminum, steel, polyurethane Durability, lift up to 50 mm, do not affect spring stiffness Requires strut disassembly, possible suspension imbalance 3 000–8 000 ₽
Under the shock absorber Aluminium, steel Maximum reliability, suitable for heavy tuning Difficult installation, may require modification of fasteners 5 000–12 000 ₽

For most owners Serena C27 become the optimal choice aluminum spring spacers 20–30 mm thick. They strike a balance between price, durability and safety. Polyurethane interturn spacers are cheaper, but are only suitable for a temporary solution (for example, before selling a car).

📊 Which spacers would you choose for the Serena C27?
  • Aluminum for spring
  • Polyurethane interturns
  • Steel shock absorber
  • I haven't decided yet

Top 5 brands of spacers for Nissan Serena C27

There are dozens of manufacturers on the market, but not all spacers are equally reliable. We analyzed owner reviews Serena C27 and tests by independent experts to rank the best brands:

  1. H&R (Germany) - leader in quality, aluminum spacers with anodized coating. Suitable for lifts up to 35 mm. Price: 6,000–9,000 RUR.
  2. Eibach (Germany) - polyurethane and aluminum options, optimized for a comfortable ride. Price: 4,500–7,500 RUR.
  3. KW Suspensions (Germany) - premium spacers for tuning, compatible with their own springs. Price: 8,000–12,000 RUR.
  4. Tanabe (Japan) - specialize in Japanese cars, including Serena. High strength aluminum. Price: 5,000–8,500 RUR.
  5. AvtoVAZkomplekt (Russia) - budget option for lifting up to 25 mm. Suitable for testing before purchasing premium brands. Price: 2,000–3,500 RUR.

Please note: Nissan Serena C27 The front and rear suspensions have different designs. Therefore, spacers are purchased separately for each axle! For example, a set H&R 50410 Suitable only for the front axle, but for the rear axle you need H&R 50411.

💡

Before purchasing, check the spacer part numbers on the manufacturer’s website - some brands produce separate models for versions with AWD And FWD.

Step-by-step instructions for installing spacers on Serena C27

Installing spacers is a moderately difficult task that requires care and basic suspension skills. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the service. Below are instructions for aluminum spring spacers (the most popular option).

Remove the wheels and loosen the racks|Jack the car and secure it on stands|Clean the spacer seats from dirt and rust|Check the condition of the springs and shock absorbers|Prepare a torque wrench for tightening-->

Step 1. Removing the rack

Unscrew the nuts securing the strut to the body (usually 3-4 bolts of 14 or 17). Disconnect the brake hose and ABS sensor (if it interferes). Carefully remove the strut along with the spring. Attention: the spring is under tension - use zip ties!

Step 2. Installing the spacer

Disassemble the strut: remove the spring, bump stop and boot. Install the spacer on the upper spring cup (see diagram in the instructions for the spacers). Important: the spacer must fit tightly without gaps. Use sealant if necessary Loctite 574 for fixation.

Step 3. Assembly and adjustment

Reassemble the stand in reverse order. Reinstall it and tighten the bolts firmly 40–50 Nm (for exact values, see the manual Serena C27). After installation, be sure to check wheel alignment — spacers change the suspension geometry!

⚠️ Attention: If after installation there is a knock in the front suspension, check the gap between the spacer and the body. A common mistake is to forget to install the washers or rubber gaskets that come with the kit!
What to do if the spacer does not fit into place?

If the spacer does not fit tightly, the reasons may be the following:

1) Corrosion at the seat - clean with sandpaper.

2) Diameter mismatch — check the article number of the spacer (for C27, the front cup has a diameter of 58 mm, the rear one - 62 mm).

3) Body deformation - straightening is required.

As a last resort, you can sharpen the spacer with a file, but this will compromise its strength.

Owner reviews: real operating experience

To understand whether it is worth installing spacers on Nissan Serena C27, we collected reviews from forums and social networks. Here's what owners say after 6-12 months of driving:

  • ✅ Pros:
    • 🚗 "Put H&R 25 mm front and rear - ground clearance increased to 180 mm. In winter I no longer catch snow under the bottom!” (Alexey, Moscow).
    • 💪 "After installing the spacers Eibach The car has become stiffer, but the handling has improved - there is less roll in corners" (Dmitry, Ekaterinburg).
    • 💰 "For 3,000 ₽ I got +20 mm of ground clearance. Cheaper than new springs, but the effect is the same" (Igor, Novosibirsk).
  • ❌ Cons:
    • 🔧 "Six months later, a knock appeared in the front - it turned out to be a spacer AvtoVAZkomplekt sank by 3 mm" (Sergey, Kazan).
    • 🌀 "After installing 30 mm spacers, I had to do a camber - it ate up the tires in 5,000 km" (Anton, St. Petersburg).
    • ⚠️ "At a speed of 120+ the car became less stable. I had to reduce the tire pressure to 2.0 atm" (Maxim, Krasnodar).

From the reviews it is clear that The quality of spacers directly affects the result. Budget options often sag or cause extraneous noise, while premium brands (H&R, Eibach) serve for years without complaints.

💡

The optimal thickness of spacers for Serena C27 is 20–25 mm. When lifting 30+ mm, be sure to check the wheel alignment angles and lengthen the stabilizer links.

Common installation mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when installing spacers. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

  1. Wrong selection of thickness

    Spacers thicker than 30mm without modification to the suspension will result in:

    • 🔩 Accelerated wear of ball joints and silent blocks.
    • 📉 Reducing the life of shock absorbers by 20–30%.
    • ⚠️ Risk of damage to drive shafts (on 4WD versions).

    Solution: To lift more than 30 mm, use lift kits with extended arms.

  2. Ignoring wheel alignment

    Spacers change the wheel alignment angles, which leads to:

    • 🔥 Uneven tire wear (especially on the inside).
    • 🚗 Pulling the car to the side when driving in a straight line.

    Solution: After installation, immediately go to wheel alignment with caster adjustment.

  3. Savings on fasteners

    Using old bolts or nuts without a torque wrench can result in:

    • 🔩 Unscrewing spacers on uneven surfaces.
    • 💥 Cracks in the body due to uneven load.

Solution: Always buy new bolts with spacers and tighten them to the torque specified in the manual.

Another common mistake is installing spacers on only one axle. This upsets the vehicle's balance and can lead to skidding on wet roads. Always raise both the front and rear at the same time, even if the rear clearance seems sufficient.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Can spacers be installed on the Serena C27 with air suspension?

No, spacers are not compatible with air suspension Nissan Serena C27 (installed on top versions). In this case, to increase the ground clearance, use adjusting the pressure in the air springs or modifying the suspension control system.

Do I need to change shock absorbers after installing spacers?

If the shock absorbers are in good condition (mileage less than 80,000 km), they can be left. However, when lifting 30+ mm, it is recommended to install shock absorbers with increased stroke (for example, Kayaba Excel-G or Bilstein B4).

How do spacers affect suspension life?

When installed correctly and up to 25 mm thick, spacers practically do not reduce the life of the suspension. However:

  • 🔧 Silent blocks and balls wear out 10–15% faster.
  • 🔩 Wheel bearings require inspection every 20,000 km.
  • 🚗 Steering rods and ends may need to be replaced ahead of schedule.

Regularly (every 10,000 km) check the play in the suspension!

Which spacers are best for Serena C27 with gas springs?

For versions with gas shock absorbers (e.g. Nissan Serena Highway Star) are recommended aluminum spring spacers 15–20 mm thick. Polyurethane interturn spacers are not suitable in this case - they can damage the gas shock absorber during compression.

Is it possible to drive without re-registration with the traffic police after installing spacers?

According to Technical Regulations of the Customs Union 018/2011, change in clearance to 50 mm does not require inclusion in the PTS. However, if spacers exceed this value or change the geometry of the body (for example, along with wide wheels), a pass will be required technical expertise.