Nissan Almera N16 is one of the most popular foreign cars on the secondary market, but with a mileage of over 150 thousand km, owners often encounter crunching and vibration when turning. The culprit in 90% of cases is internal CV joint (constant velocity joint), which wears out faster than the external one due to constant loads. In this article we will look at how to accurately diagnose the problem, what article numbers of original and non-original parts are suitable for Almera N16 with engines 1.5 and 1.8, and also give step-by-step instructions for replacement, taking into account typical errors.
Feature Almera N16 — drive design with a collapsible internal CV joint (tripod), which allows you to change only the worn part, and not the entire shaft. However, not all masters know about this nuance when offering clients the purchase of an all-wheel drive assembly. We will tell you how to save up to 60% on repairs by choosing the right strategy, and why even a new CV joint can creak if you do not take into account the torque of the hub nut.
Signs of a faulty internal CV joint: how to distinguish it from an external one
The main symptom of wear on the inner CV joint is crunching or clicking noise when moving in a straight line, especially under load (acceleration, ascent). Unlike the external hinge, which “creaks” only when turning, the internal one behaves differently:
- 🔊 Thud when starting off or changing gears (usually when cold).
- 🌀 Vibration at speeds of 60–90 km/h, which disappears during acceleration or braking.
- 🚗 Jerks when moving (felt like failures in the transmission).
- 🔧 Backlash in the drive, if you shake the shaft by hand with the wheel removed.
On Almera N16 The inner CV joint is often confused with a faulty transmission or wheel bearing. To rule out the error, run the test:
⚠️ Attention: If the crunch is heard only when the wheels are turned out (for example, in a parking lot), the problem is external CV joint. The inner joint makes sounds regardless of the angle of rotation.
Another diagnostic method is to check the boot. If there are cracks or traces of grease on it, this indirectly indicates wear of the CV joint. However, even a whole boot does not guarantee serviceability: on Almera N16 The inner corrugation often breaks, which is not visible without removal.
- Every 20 thousand km
- Only when a crunch appears
- Never checked
- I trust service station diagnostics
Articles and analogues: what to put on Almera N16 1.5 and 1.8
On Nissan Almera N16 Two types of internal CV joints were installed depending on the engine and year of manufacture:
| Engine | Original article | Analogs (brand + article) | Price, ₽ (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
1.5 (QG15DE) |
39310-4M000 (tripod) |
|
2 500 – 4 000 |
1.8 (QG18DE) |
39310-4M010 (tripod) |
|
3 000 – 4 500 |
Important nuances when choosing:
- 🔧 Original CV joints Nissan are supplied only assembled with the shaft (article no.
39300-4M000for 1.5), but the tripod can be purchased separately. - 🛠️ Analogs GKN And SKF are considered the best in terms of price/quality ratio, but require checking for counterfeiting (there must be a hologram on the package).
- 🚗 For Almera N16 The same part numbers are suitable for automatic transmissions as for manual transmissions - the only difference is the length of the shaft.
⚠️ Attention: Do not buy branded CV joints Sasic or Optimal — their tripod rollers often break after 10–15 thousand km. Experienced professionals recommend Febi or Mapco as the best option.
How to spot a fake GKN?
Original GKN has:
- Logo embossed on the body (not a sticker).
- Plastic boot with markings GKN DRIVETECH.
- Complete lubricant in a separate bag (25 grams).
Counterfeits often come with cheap lubricant Litol-24 and thin metal body.
Step-by-step replacement of the inner CV joint: tools and procedure
To replace the inner CV joint with Almera N16 you will need:
- 🔧 Set of heads (17, 19, 30 mm) and collars.
- 🔨 Hammer and punch made of soft metal.
- 🔑 Torque wrench (required!).
- 🛠️ Circlip remover and pliers.
- 🧴 Grease for CV joints (Molykote BR2 Plus or equivalent).
Work order (using the example of the left drive):
Drain the oil from the gearbox (if you plan to completely remove the drive) |
Unscrew the hub nut (30 mm) with the car standing|
Raise the car on a jack and remove the wheel|
Disconnect the tie rod and ball joint (19mm socket)|
Remove the drive from the gearbox, having previously noted the position of the satellites (photo on the phone)-->
Remove inner CV joint boot (squeeze the clamps with pliers). If the boot is torn, be sure to replace it - even a new CV joint will quickly fail without protection.
Remove retaining ring from the shaft (use a puller or screwdriver). Be careful - the ring often “flies away” when removed!
Shoot down tripod from the shaft with a hammer through a drift. Apply blows only to the outer race to avoid damaging the splines.
Install a new CV joint, having previously lubricated the shaft splines
Litol-24(this will make future replacement easier).Fasten the retaining ring and put on the boot, securing it with new clamps.
Critical moment - tightening the hub nut. On Almera N16 she must be 220–250 Nm (for 1.5) and 250–280 Nm (for 1.8). If you overtighten, the hub bearing will fail after 5–10 thousand km. If you don't tighten it enough, there will be a backlash.
Before installing a new CV joint, check the condition of the gearbox seal. If it leaks, the oil will quickly flush the grease out of the joint. Replacing the oil seal will cost 500–800 rubles, but will save you 3–4 thousand rubles on repeated repairs.
Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes that shorten the service life of a new CV joint. Here are the most common:
- 🔧 Using old grease. The box with the new CV joint should only contain fresh Molykote BR2 Plus (or similar with molybdenum).
Litol-24orCV joint-4are not suitable - they cannot withstand high temperatures. - 🛠️ Boot damage during installation. If there are burrs left on the corrugation from the clamps, they will wear it out in 1–2 thousand km. Always lubricate the area under the clamp with silicone lubricant.
- 🚗 Label mismatch on the gearbox and drive. If you do not place the shaft according to the marks, there will be vibration at speeds above 100 km/h. On Almera N16 marks are applied with paint to the gearbox flange and drive.
- 🔨 Tightening the hub nut without a torque wrench. “By eye” almost always leads to over-tightening or under-tightening.
Another common problem is crunch of a new CV joint after replacement. Reasons:
- 🔧 Defective parts (especially with cheap analogues).
- 🛠️ There is not enough lubrication in the tripod.
- 🚗 Damage to the shaft splines when removing the old CV joint.
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the CV joint, vibration appears at speeds of 80–100 km/h, check the drive balancing. On Almera N16 even a slight imbalance is felt due to the light body. The solution is to balance the shaft on a machine (costs 300–500 rubles).
On Almera N16 with a mileage of more than 200 thousand km, it is recommended to change both inner CV joints at the same time - even if only one crunches. The second one is most likely also worn out and will need to be replaced after 10–15 thousand km.
Repair cost: service station vs independent replacement
Prices for replacing the inner CV joint with Nissan Almera N16 vary depending on region and type of service:
| Service type | Cost of work, ₽ | Cost of spare parts, ₽ | Total, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official dealer | 6 000 – 8 000 | 8,000 – 12,000 (original) | 14 000 – 20 000 |
| Unofficial service | 2 500 – 4 000 | 3,000 – 5,000 (analog) | 5 500 – 9 000 |
| On your own | 0 | 2 500 – 4 500 | 2 500 – 4 500 |
The savings when doing your own repairs are obvious, but keep in mind:
- 🔧 Without experience, removing/installing the drive will take 4–6 hours (pros do it in 1.5–2 hours).
- 🛠️ You will need a hole or a lift - changing the CV joint on a jack is inconvenient and dangerous.
- 🚗 If you damage the gearbox boot (costs 1,200–1,500 ₽), repairs will cost more.
Tip: if you decide to change the CV joint yourself, take photographs of each stage of disassembly. This will help avoid errors during assembly, especially with marks on the gearbox.
Prevention: how to extend the life of a CV joint by Almera N16
The service life of the inner CV joint is Nissan Almera N16 can be increased to 200–250 thousand km if you follow simple rules:
- 🔧 Check the anthers every 15 thousand km. Even a small crack will lead to dirt getting in and rapid wear.
- 🛠️ Avoid abrupt starts with the wheels turned out (for example, when leaving a parking lot). This creates maximum load on the CV joint.
- 🚗 Change the gearbox oil every 60 thousand km. Old oil loses its properties, impairing the lubrication of drive splines.
- 🔨 Don't ignore the vibration. If it appears after replacing the CV joint, check the balancing or gearbox marks.
Pay special attention winter operation. At temperatures below –20°C, the lubricant in the CV joint thickens, which increases the load on the part. Solution:
- 🔥 Before the trip, warm up the car for 3-5 minutes (this also applies to the checkpoint).
- ❄️ Use winter lubricant for CV joints (for example, Molykote G-Rapid Plus).
If you often drive off-road or in deep snow, install additional protective neoprene covers on the CV joint boots. They cost 300–500 ₽, but extend the life of the boot by 2–3 times.
Frequently asked questions about the internal CV joint Nissan Almera N16
Is it possible to drive with a crisp CV joint?
Short-term (1-2 weeks) - yes, but not worth the risk. A worn-out CV joint can fall apart while driving, which will lead to wheel locking. On Almera N16 this is especially dangerous due to the front-wheel drive: loss of control at speed can lead to an accident.
Which CV joint is better - original or analogue?
Original Nissan (39310-4M000) will last longer (150–200 thousand km), but costs 2–3 times more than analogues. The best option in terms of price/quality - GKN or SKF. Budget brands (Febi, Mapco) is enough for 80–100 thousand km.
Is it necessary to change the gearbox oil after replacing the CV joint?
Mandatory if the drive has been completely removed. With partial disassembly (tripod only), you can do without replacement, but check the oil level. On Almera N16 The gearbox is filled with 2.7–2.9 liters (depending on the engine).
Why does the new CV joint crunch?
Reasons:
- Defective parts (especially Sasic or Optimal).
- There is not enough lubrication in the tripod.
- The shaft splines were damaged when removing the old CV joint.
- Mismatch of marks on the gearbox and drive.
Solution: remove the CV joint, check for play and amount of lubricant.
Is it possible to restore a worn CV joint?
Theoretically, yes - some workshops offer replacement of rollers in the tripod. But in practice this is unreliable: a restored CV joint rarely lasts more than 20–30 thousand km. For Almera N16 It's cheaper and safer to install a new one.