Replacing a CV joint on a Nissan Almera: signs of failure, selection of parts and step-by-step repairs

Constant velocity joint (CV joint) - one of the key elements of the transmission Nissan Almera, responsible for transmitting torque to the drive wheels. A faulty CV joint not only impairs the vehicle's handling, but can also lead to serious damage if action is not taken in time. In this article, we will look at how to determine the wear of a CV joint, what tools are needed for replacement, and describe in detail the repair process - from removing the old part to installing a new one.

Feature Almera (especially models N16, G15 And B17) lies in the design of the drive shafts, where the outer and inner CV joints are subject to increased loads due to the compact suspension. If you notice a characteristic crunch when turning or vibration at speed, most likely the problem is in the hinges. Next, you will learn how to replace the CV joint with your own hands, saving on the service station, and avoiding common mistakes.

Signs of a CV joint failure on a Nissan Almera

The first signal about problems with the CV joint is crunching sound when turning the steering wheel, especially with the wheel fully turned. On Nissan Almera with mileage over 100 thousand km, this symptom appears most often. However, the crunching noise can also come from other components, so it is important to differentiate the fault:

• 🔊 Crunching sound when turning left/right - indicates wear external CV joint (wheel side). The sharper the turn, the louder the sound.
• 🚗 Vibration at speeds of 60–90 km/h - a sign of play in internal CV joint (from the checkpoint side). Vibration can be transmitted to the body or steering wheel.
• 🔧 Clicking noises when starting off - often indicate destruction of the separator or balls in the hinge.
• 💧 Grease leaks on the boot — if the boot is torn, dirt gets inside the CV joint, accelerating its wear.

On Almera N16 (2000–2006) and G15 (2012–2018) external CV joints fail more often than internal ones due to their smaller size and more intense loads. Internal joints usually last longer, but replacing them is more difficult and requires dismantling the axle shaft. If you ignore the symptoms, a worn CV joint can seize, causing you to lose control while driving.

⚠️ Attention: A CV joint crunch is often confused with a wheel bearing failure. To eliminate the error, lift the car on a jack and swing the wheel in a vertical plane. Play or noise when the wheel rotates will indicate the bearing, not the CV joint.

Which CV joint to choose for Nissan Almera: original vs analogues

When replacing the CV joint with Almera The owner is faced with a choice: buy an original part or an analogue. Original CV joints from Nissan (see the table below for article numbers) guarantee a long service life, but their price is 2–3 times higher than their analogues. Alternative brands such as GKN, SKF or Febi, offer high-quality hinges at a more affordable price.

Model Almera	CV joint type	Original article	Recommended analogues
N16 (2000–2006)	External	39300-4M000	GKN 503 030, SKF VKJA 6010
N16 (2000–2006)	Internal	39350-4M000	Febi 38935, Metelli 14-0059
G15 (2012–2018)	External	39300-BM40A	GKN 503 080, Mapco 61006
B17 (2018–present)	External	39300-BN40A	SKF VKJA 6012, Febi 38936

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Metal quality - cheap CV joints are often made of low-alloy steel, which wears out quickly.
• 🛡️ Availability of lubrication — the CV joint must be supplied with a special grease (for example, Molykote BR2 Plus).
• 📦 Completeness - some manufacturers sell CV joints without a boot and clamps, which will require additional expenses.

Important: On Almera G15 and B17, internal CV joints are often assembled with the axle shaft. If your model is of this type, you won’t be able to replace just the hinge—you’ll have to buy the entire shaft.

Tools and materials for replacing CV joints

To independently replace the CV joint with Nissan Almera you will need the following set of tools:

• 🔧 Socket wrenches and sockets at 17, 19, 22 and 30 mm (for unscrewing the hub nut).
• 🔨 Hammer and chisel - to remove the retaining rings and knock out the CV joint from the hub.
• ⚙️ Torque wrench — for correct tightening of the hub nut (torque 200–250 Nm).
• 🛠️ CV joint puller (optional, but simplifies the work).
• 🧰 Jack and stops - for lifting the car and ensuring safety.
• 🧴 Grease for CV joints (For example, Molykote BR2 Plus or LIQUI MOLY LM47).
• 🔗 Boot clamps - it is better to use screw ones rather than spring ones.

Also prepare:

• 🧤 Gloves and rags - the work is dirty, the grease is difficult to wash off.
• 🔦 Flashlight or lamp - for illuminating hard-to-reach places.
• 📱 Phone with a camera - to record the process and not confuse the parts during assembly.

⚠️ Attention: If you are replacing a CV joint for the first time, do not use an impact tool (such as an air impact wrench) to remove the hub nut. There is a high risk of stripping threads or damaging the wheel bearing. It is better to use a lever with an extension pipe.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the outer CV joint

Let's look at the replacement process using an example Nissan Almera G15 (2012–2018). For other generations (N16, B17) the algorithm is similar, but the sizes of nuts and fasteners may differ.

Step 1. Removing the wheel and hub nut

1. Jack up the car and remove the wheel.
2. Unscrew the central hub nut (size 30 mm). To do this, you will need a powerful wrench or extension pipe. Do not remove the nut completely - just loosen while the wheel is still in place.
3. Unscrew the two brake caliper mounting bolts (17 mm wrench) and hang the caliper on a wire so as not to damage the hose.

Step 2. Removing the axle shaft

1. Unscrew the two bolts securing the ball joint to the steering knuckle (19 mm wrench).
2. Drive the ball joint pin out of the knuckle using a hammer and pry bar.
3. Unscrew the hub nut completely and remove the washer.
4. Pull the hub towards you - the axle shaft will disengage. If it does not budge, gently tap the wooden spacer with a hammer.

Step 3. Replacing the CV joint

1. Remove the old boot clamps and cut the boot if it is damaged.
2. Knock the retaining ring off the shaft (use a chisel and hammer).
3. Remove the old CV joint from the shaft. If it cannot be removed by hand, use a puller or gently knock it through the soft pad with a hammer.
4. Clean the shaft of old grease and install a new boot.
5. Apply lubricant to the new CV joint and slide it onto the shaft until the snap ring clicks into place.
6. Secure the boot with clamps and make sure it is not twisted.

Step 4. Assembly

1. Place the axle shaft back into the hub and tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench (torque 200–250 Nm).
2. Secure the ball joint and brake caliper.
3. Install the wheel and lower the car.

Features of replacing the internal CV joint

Inner CV joint on Nissan Almera changes less frequently, but the process is more complicated due to the need to remove the axle shaft from the gearbox. Main differences from replacing an external CV joint:

• 🔧 It is necessary to drain the oil from the gearbox (for manual transmission) or transmission fluid (for automatic transmission).
• 🔨 It is necessary to knock out the axle shaft from the gearbox using a copper or aluminum knockout so as not to damage the oil seal.
• 🛠️ The inner CV joint is often assembled with the axle shaft (especially on Almera B17), so it is not always possible to replace only the hinge.

Work algorithm:

1. Remove the outer CV joint (as described above).
2. Unscrew the three bolts securing the inner CV joint to the gearbox differential (14 mm wrench).
3. Carefully remove the axle shaft from the box. If it does not come out, tap the inner CV joint flange through a soft spacer.
4. Replace the CV joint or axle shaft assembly, first applying lubricant.
5. Reinstall the axle shaft, making sure the splines are fully engaged with the differential.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing the inner CV joint with Almera with automatic transmission Do not drain the transmission fluid completely - just pump out some of it through the dipstick. A complete ATF replacement will only be required if the fluid is dark or has a burning smell.

What to do if the axle shaft does not come out of the gearbox?

If the axle shaft is jammed, do not use excessive force - you risk damaging the seal. Try to rotate the shaft around its axis while simultaneously pulling it towards you. If this does not help, use a puller or contact a service station.

Typical mistakes when replacing CV joints and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing a CV joint with Nissan Almera. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

• 🔩 Loose hub nut — leads to wheel play and accelerated bearing wear. Always use a torque wrench!
• 🧴 Lack or excess of lubrication - too little lubricant will accelerate the wear of the CV joint, too much - will lead to rupture of the boot. Optimal volume: 80–100 grams per joint.
• 🔄 Twisted boot — if the boot is installed with a bend, it will quickly crack. Before tightening the clamps, rotate the shaft so that the boot takes its natural position.
• 🔧 Using non-original circlips - cheap rings may not fix the CV joint, which will lead to it coming off the shaft. Buy only original or certified analogues.

Another common problem is damage to the gearbox seal when removing the axle shaft. To avoid this:

• Use plastic or copper drift - it will not damage the lip of the oil seal.
• Do not apply force at an angle - the axle shaft should come out strictly along the axis.
• If the oil seal is still damaged, replace it immediately, otherwise oil will begin to ooze from the box.

Cost of replacing a CV joint: do-it-yourself vs service station

The cost of replacing a CV joint is Nissan Almera depends on the type of joint (external or internal), vehicle model and region. Below is a cost comparison table:

Type of work	Cost of parts (₽)	Cost of work at a service station (₽)	Total (₽)
Replacing the outer CV joint (do it yourself)	2 500–4 000	0	2 500–4 000
Replacement of external CV joint (STO)	2 500–4 000	1 500–2 500	4 000–6 500
Replacing the inner CV joint (do it yourself)	4 000–7 000	0	4 000–7 000
Replacement of the internal CV joint (STO)	4 000–7 000	3 000–5 000	7 000–12 000
Replacement of axle shaft assembly (STO)	10 000–15 000	2 000–4 000	12 000–19 000

The savings when replacing yourself are obvious, but keep in mind:

• ⏱️ Time — without experience, the work may take 4–6 hours.
• 🛠️ Tool - if you don’t have a torque wrench or puller, buying one will reduce your savings to zero.
• 🔧 Warranty - service stations usually give a 6-12 month guarantee on work; if you do the repairs yourself, the risks remain with you.

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the replacement of the internal CV joint or axle shaft to professionals. The outer CV joint is easier to replace, and even a beginner can cope with this task if given the instructions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive with a crisp CV joint?

Short term - yes, but not worth the risk. A crunching sound indicates critical wear of the balls or separator. Under heavy load (sharp turn, hole), the CV joint may fall apart and the wheel will lock. The maximum mileage with such a defect is 500–1000 km, but it is better to replace the hinge immediately.

How to check which CV joint is crunching: external or internal?

The outer CV joint crunches when turning, the inner one crunches when driving in a straight line under load (acceleration, lifting). You can also diagnose it like this:

1. Place the front wheel on a jack.
2. Engage first gear and drive off slowly.
3. If a crunching sound is heard when turning the wheel, the external CV joint is to blame, if when driving “idling,” it is the internal one.

Do I need to change the boot when replacing the CV joint?

Definitely! Even if the old boot is intact, it has already lost its elasticity and may crack after 10–20 thousand km. A new boot is inexpensive (200–500 RUR), but replacing it will save you money on repeated repairs.

How long does a CV joint last on a Nissan Almera?

Service life depends on operating conditions:

• Original CV joint - 150–200 thousand km.
• High-quality analogue (GKN, SKF) - 100–150 thousand km.
• Budget equivalent - 50–80 thousand km.

On Almera with mileage over 150 thousand km, it is recommended to preventively replace boots and CV joint lubrication every 50 thousand km.

Is it possible to lubricate the CV joint without removing it?

No, that's impossible. For lubrication, it is necessary to remove the boot, and this requires dismantling the CV joint. If the boot is intact, but the CV joint begins to crunch, lubricant will no longer help - the joint needs to be replaced.