Inner CV joint <em>Nissan Almera Classic</em>: symptoms of wear, check and self-replacement

Nissan Almera Classic (N16) is one of the most popular foreign cars on the Russian secondary market, known for its reliability and maintainability. However, even this “unkillable” sedan has weak points, and one of them is internal CV joints (constant velocity joints). Their wear is manifested by a characteristic crunch when turning or starting, and ignoring the problem can lead to a break in the drive and a complete loss of controllability.

In this article we will analyze all aspects of the internal CV joint operation on Almera Classic: from the first signs of a malfunction to detailed instructions for replacement, taking into account the nuances of the design. We will pay special attention a unique feature of the drives of this car is the absence of retaining rings on the internal joints in early versions (before 2008), which often causes errors during repairs.

What is an internal CV joint and how does it work? Nissan Almera Classic

Internal CV joint (or "grenade") is a joint that transmits torque from the gearbox to the axle shaft, allowing the wheel to turn and at the same time compensate for the vertical movements of the suspension. B Almera Classic used tripod CV joint (with three rollers), which differs from the outer (ball) one in greater wear resistance, but also in more complex diagnostics.

Structurally, the internal hinge consists of:

• 🔧 Housings with grooves for rollers
• 🌀 Tripod bearing (3 rollers on needle bearings)
• 🔗 Drive shaft (half shafts)
• 🛡️ Anther with clamps (protects from dirt and moisture)

Feature Almera Classic: the inner CV joint is attached to the gearbox differential through spline connection, and not a bolt (like many modern cars). This simplifies dismantling, but requires care during assembly - incorrect installation can cause vibrations.

Signs of a malfunctioning internal CV joint: how to distinguish it from the 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 (during acceleration or on a climb). Unlike the outer joint, which crunches when turning, the inner one manifests itself in the following situations:

• 🚗 Pulling away abruptly (crunch in front)
• 🔄 Shifting gears (especially from 1st to 2nd)
• 💨 Driving over uneven surfaces (vibration on the steering wheel)
• 🌀 High speed turns (if wear is critical)

Important! On Almera Classic The crunching sound of the internal CV joint is often confused with a malfunction gearbox input shaft bearing. To differentiate problems, note:

Symptom	Inner CV joint	Gearbox bearing
Crunching noise when accelerating	✅ Yes	❌ No
Noise in neutral when the engine is running	❌ No	✅ Yes
Vibration on the steering wheel	✅ Yes (with heavy wear)	❌ No
Oil leak from gearbox	❌ No	✅ Possible

⚠️ Attention: If the crunch is accompanied jerky when changing gears, the problem may be differential pinions. In this case, opening the gearbox is required!

Diagnostics of the internal CV joint: 3 ways to check without disassembling

Before you start replacing, make sure that the problem is in the inner CV joint. Here three reliable diagnostic methodswhich you can do yourself:

1. Checking the backlash.

   Jack up the front wheel (on the side of the suspected fault), put it in neutral and swing the wheel in a vertical plane. Play of more than 1–2 mm indicates wear of the CV joint or wheel bearing.

2. Crunch test.

   Shift into gear, depress the clutch and quickly move away. A crunching noise at the front is a sign of an internal CV joint. If the sound appears when turning, the problem is external.

3. Visual inspection of the boot.

   A torn or leaking boot is a direct cause of dirt getting into the CV joint. On Almera Classic internal anthers often crack clamp on the gearbox side.

Prepare a new CV joint and boot (see article numbers below)

Buy clamps (preferably screw clamps, not spring clamps)

Prepare WD-40 for soured nuts

Check for retaining ring (models after 2008)

Prepare the axle puller (or pry bar) -->

For accurate diagnosis you can use endoscope (flexible camera) to inspect the condition of the tripoid bearing rollers through the hole in the boot. If the rollers are visible scuffing or wear, The CV joint must be replaced.

Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues for Nissan Almera Classic

When purchasing an internal CV joint for Almera Classic (N16) It is important to consider the year of manufacture of the car. Until 2008, hinges were installed without retaining ring, then with a stopper. Mismatch will lead to play and rapid wear.

Article numbers of original parts:

• 🔹 Inner CV joint (before 2008): 39300-4M000
• 🔹 Inner CV joint (after 2008): 39300-4M001
• 🔹 Boot: 39396-4M000 (universal)
• 🔹 Clamps: 39398-4M000 (set of 2 pieces)

Proven analogues:

Manufacturer	Article	Notes
GKN (LOEBRO)	ADB403350	Best price/quality ratio
SKF	VKJA 6633	Reinforced tripod, suitable for aggressive riding
Febi	23621	Budget option, but short resource
Sasic	2005001	Kit with boot and clamps

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing Asian analogues (for example, CTR or Koyo) check availability lubricants included. In 30% of cases you have to buy it separately!

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the inner CV joint with Nissan Almera Classic

To replace the inner CV joint you will need:

• 🔧 Socket set (10, 12, 14, 17, 19 mm)
• 🔨 Hammer and wooden spacer
• ⚙️ Axle puller (or mount)
• 🧴 Lubricant for CV joints (for example, Molykote BR2 Plus)
• 🔥 Gas burner (for stuck nuts)

Work order:

1. Removing the wheel and disconnecting the hub.

   Raise the car, remove the wheel and unscrew the hub nut (size 30 mm). Then unscrew the two bolts securing the ball joint to the steering knuckle and remove the axle shaft from the hub.

2. Removing the inner CV joint.

   Unscrew the three mounting bolts engine mounts (head on 14 mm) and lift the power unit with a jack. Remove the boot clamps and move it to the side. Then, using a puller or pry bar, press the CV joint out of the box.

   What to do if the CV joint does not come out?

   If the CV joint is stuck in the gearbox, apply WD-40 onto the spline joint and gently tap with a hammer through the wooden spacer. Do not apply force to the shaft - you may bend the axle shaft!

3. Installation of a new CV joint.

   Apply lubricant to the tripod and the inside of the housing, then press the hinge into the gearbox until it clicks (on models after 2008). Make sure retaining ring fell into place. Put on the new boot and tighten the clamps.

4. Assembly.

   Install the axle shaft into the hub, tighten the hub nut (tightening torque - 220–250 Nm) and reassemble everything in reverse order. After replacement, check the wheel alignment angles!

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when working with CV joints Nissan Almera Classic. Here TOP-5 misses and their consequences:

• 🔧 Ignoring the retaining ring.

  On models after 2008, they forget to install the stopper, which leads to play and crunching after 500–1000 km.

• 🛠️ Retightening the hub nut.

  Tightening torque more 250 Nm deforms the bearing, which causes a hum at speed.

• 🧴 Saving on lubrication.

  Using cheap lubricant (for example, Litol-24) reduces the life of the CV joint by 2–3 times.

• 🔗 Incorrect boot installation.

  If the clamps are loosely tightened, the boot will slip when moving, and dirt will quickly damage the CV joint.

• 🌀 They forget to check the gearbox seal.

  When replacing a CV joint, the differential seal (38340-4M000) often leaks, leading to oil leakage.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the CV joint there is vibration at speed 60–80 km/h, check the balancing of the axle shaft! On Almera Classic Even slight weight shifts (due to uneven lubrication, for example) can cause runout.

Prevention: how to extend the life of CV joints by Nissan Almera Classic

Average resource of internal CV joint for Almera Classic — 150–200 thousand km, but with proper operation this figure can be increased to 300 thousand km. Here 5 rules of prevention:

• 🚗 Avoid abrupt starts. Jerking from a standstill loads the CV joint 3 times more than smooth acceleration.
• 💨 Change the anthers in a timely manner. Inspect them every 20 thousand km - a crack of 1 mm in size reduces the life of the CV joint by 50%.
• 🛢️ Check the oil level in the gearbox. Its leakage through the oil seal leads to oil starvation of the differential and accelerated wear of the splines.
• 🌀 Don't ignore vibrations. Even a slight beating of the steering wheel can signal the beginning of destruction of the tripoid bearing.
• 🧴 Use quality lubricant. Optimal choice - Molykote BR2 Plus or Castrol LMX (do not mix different types!).

For Almera Classic with mileage over 150 thousand km recommended preventive replacement of lubricant in CV joints every 50 thousand km. To do this, you do not need to remove the hinge - just:

1. Remove the boot.
2. Rinse the internal cavity with kerosene.
3. Apply new lubricant (30–40 grams).
4. Reinstall the boot.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive with a crisp CV joint?

Short-term - yes, but the risk of axle breakage increases with every kilometer. On Almera Classic If the internal CV joint is critically worn, it can block the drive, which will lead to loss of control at speed. We recommend replacing the joint within 1-2 weeks after the cracking noise appears.

How much does it cost to replace an internal CV joint at a service center?

Cost of work in 2026:

• 🔧 Replacement of one CV joint: 2,500–4,000 ₽
• 🔧 Replacement kit (internal + external + anthers): 5,000–7,000 ₽
• 🔧 Drive diagnostics: 500–1,000 ₽

Cost of spare parts (original/analogue): internal CV joint - 4,000–8,000 ₽, boot — 300–800 ₽.

Which CV joint fails more often: left or right?

On Almera Classic right inner CV joint wears out faster due to:

• Greater load when turning (the joint angle is larger).
• Proximity to the collector outlet (the anthers tan faster from the heat).
• Uneven weight distribution (battery and gearbox are shifted to the left).

Statistics: the right CV joint requires replacement 20–30 thousand km before the left one.

Is it possible to restore a worn CV joint?

Theoretically yes, but inappropriate. Recovery includes:

1. Disassembling the hinge and washing the parts.
2. Replacement of rollers and needle bearings (if you find a repair kit).
3. Polishing the grooves of the case.

However, even after repair, the life of the CV joint will not exceed 30–50 thousand km, and the cost of work is comparable to the price of a new Asian analogue. The exception is collector's items, where the originality of the details is important.

What kind of oil should be poured into the gearbox after replacing the CV joint?

For Nissan Almera Classic (N16) with manual transmission it is recommended:

• 🔹 Original oil: Nissan MT-XZ (KE916-99932)
• 🔹 Analogues: Castrol Syntrans V FE 75W-80, Motul Gear 300 75W-90

Refill volume: 2.8 liters. After replacing the CV joint, check the oil level - when dismantling the axle shaft, some of the fluid may leak out.