SUV operation Nissan Terrano in our climate and road surface conditions, it imposes increased demands on the transmission. One of the most vulnerable components here is the drive shaft, or more precisely, its constant velocity joints, known as CV joint. It is this mechanism that is responsible for transmitting torque from the gearbox to the wheels, ensuring their rotation at any angle of rotation of the steering wheel and suspension.
Ignoring the first signs of a malfunction can lead to expensive repairs of the entire axle shaft or even an emergency on the road. Owners Nissan Terrano often encounter the problem of knocking or crunching joints after a mileage of 80–100 thousand kilometers, especially if the car is equipped with all-wheel drive and often drives off-road. Understanding the principles of operation, the ability to notice a defect in time and the correct choice of spare parts is the key to long and safe operation of your crossover.
Design and operation of drives on Nissan Terrano
Drive shaft design Nissan Terrano (as on his relative Renault Duster) includes two main types of hinges: internal and external. Inner CV joint connects the gearbox to the drive shaft and compensates for changes in its length during suspension operation. It usually has three cleats (tripod) and operates under conditions of lower steering angles but high axial loads.
The external unit, on the contrary, is located at the wheel hub and withstands huge angular loads when turning the steering wheel. It is this that most often fails due to dirt or a ruptured boot. On the front axle Nissan Terrano installed drive shafts with permanent drive, which makes them critical for cross-country ability. Characteristics These components are designed for the high torque generated by the engine.
It is important to understand that both nodes work in pairs. If one of them begins to play or crunch, the load is redistributed, which can accelerate the wear of the second element. Gearbox also suffers from vibrations transmitted through a faulty CV joint, which can damage the differential.
⚠️ Attention: Rupture of the inner CV joint boot on Nissan Terrano more dangerous than it seems. Dirt that gets inside works as an abrasive, destroying lubricant and seats in a matter of kilometers, even if you only drive around the city.
Main symptoms of malfunction and diagnostics
Identify the problem with CV joint can be determined by a number of characteristic symptoms that become noticeable at different stages of wear. The very first and surest sign is clicking or crunching noises when the wheels are turned out. If you hear metallic sounds coming from the front wheel when starting from a standstill under load, it is almost certainly an outer joint problem.
The internal node manifests itself differently. Most often, this is vibration transmitted to the body and steering wheel during acceleration, which disappears when the gas is released. Sometimes there is a “jerky” feeling at the beginning of the movement, as if the car is jamming. With heavy wear wheel bearing or the drive itself, play may appear, which is easily detected when the wheel is manually rocked.
- 🔊 A crunch when turning the steering wheel at full turn is a sign of wear on the outer CV joint.
- 📳 Vibration during acceleration, especially at high speeds, indicates problems with internal hinge.
- 🛑 Clicking noises when starting from a standstill or when pressing the gas sharply.
- 💧 Traces of grease on the inner surfaces of the wheel or on the anthers.
For accurate diagnosis, it is not always necessary to disassemble the suspension. It is enough to visually inspect anthers for cracks or cuts. If the rubber is intact, but you hear extraneous sounds, you can try to rock the shaft by hand, fixing the wheel. Any gaps or dips in movement indicate wear.
- Crunch when turning
- Vibration during acceleration
- Creak in the suspension
- I can't hear anything
Choice of spare parts: original or analogue
The auto parts market offers a huge selection of solutions for Nissan Terrano, but not all of them are of equal quality. Original details from Nissan or Renault (since the platforms are identical) guarantee precise geometry and durability, but are often overpriced. Original CV joints usually produced by large international concerns such as GKN or NTN, under the brand of the automaker.
If your budget is limited, it is worth considering proven analogues. Brands like Spicer, GKN, SNR or Febi They offer products that often surpass the original in quality of materials, but are cheaper. It is important to avoid “no-name” products from China of unknown origin, which can fall apart after a couple of thousand kilometers.
| Manufacturer | Part type | Average service life | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan/Renault (Original) | CV joint kit | 100,000+ km | Ideal geometry, high price |
| GKN / Spicer | Analogue | 80,000 – 120,000 km | High quality, often original supplier |
| SNR | Analogue | 70,000 – 90,000 km | Good price/quality ratio |
| Budget brands | Analogue | 20,000 – 40,000 km | Risk of rapid failure |
When purchasing, pay attention to the package contents. Often only the hinge itself (“grenade”) is sold, without boot and lubricant. For Nissan Terrano it is critical to take a complete repair kit, including boot, retaining rings and special lubricant. Lubrication must be resistant to high temperatures and water.
When choosing an analogue, check the catalog number on the packaging and compare it with the manufacturer’s data to avoid counterfeits under the guise of a well-known brand.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing a CV joint
Replacing external CV joint on Nissan Terrano - a task feasible for an experienced craftsman, but requiring a certain set of tools and knowledge. The process begins by raising the car on a lift or jack and removing the wheel. Then you need to unscrew the hub nut, which is often tightened with great force (up to 250 Nm), and remove the brake caliper.
Next, unscrew the bolts securing the ball joint to the steering knuckle. After this, you need to remove the drive shaft from the hub. Be careful: the shaft may fall out abruptly, so be sure to secure it. The next step is to remove the inner CV joint from the transmission. To do this, a pry bar is used that pries the shaft through the technological hole in the gearbox housing.
After removing the shaft, you need to remove the old boot and the hinge itself. Clean the shaft of old grease and check for scratches. Install new CV joint and a new boot, carefully filling all cavities with fresh lubricant. Lubrication should fill approximately 50% of the hinge volume.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
Assembly is carried out in reverse order. Pay special attention to the correct installation of the boot - it should not be twisted or have folds, otherwise it will quickly tear. The clamps on the boot must be securely crimped with special pliers.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the inner CV joint in the gearbox Nissan Terrano make sure it clicks fully into the latch. If it is not fully seated, it will fly out of the gearbox when moving, which will lead to loss of traction and damage to the seal.
What is the difference between replacing an internal and external CV joint?
The outer CV joint is easier to change, often without removing the entire shaft from the gearbox. The internal one requires removing the shaft and working with the gearbox, which is more difficult and requires more space.
Features of maintenance and prevention
Extend the life of drive units by Nissan Terrano possible by following simple rules of operation and regular maintenance. The most important prevention is timely replacement anthers. Even small cracks in the rubber that you might not notice eventually turn into holes through which water and dirt get inside.
If you often drive off-road, it is recommended to check the condition of the drives every 10–15 thousand kilometers. Inspect not only the boots, but also the condition of the retaining rings and play in the shaft itself. Vibration on the steering wheel during acceleration - this is already a signal that it’s time to call in a service center for diagnostics.
- 🔍 Regularly inspect the anthers for cracks and grease leaks.
- 🛠️ Change the lubricant in CV joints every 50–60 thousand km under severe operating conditions.
- ⛔ Avoid sudden starts with the wheels turned out, especially on all-wheel drive.
Use only specialized lubricants designed for constant velocity joints. Conventional lithium greases or graphite are not suitable, as they cannot withstand high loads and temperatures in the friction zone. Lubrication based on molybdenum disulfide is considered one of the best options for Nissan.
Regularly checking the boots and using high-quality lubricant can double the service life of the CV joint, saving money on replacing the entire axle shaft.
Common mistakes during repairs
Many owners Nissan Terrano make mistakes when replacing themselves, which lead to repeated failure of the unit. One of the most common problems is improper installation of the boot. If you do not expel the air from under the cuff before tightening the clamp, the rubber will act like a pump, sucking the lubricant out and sucking dirt in.
Another mistake is using an old retaining ring. If the ring is worn or deformed, a new CV joint may not attach securely and may fly out under load. Always replace the retaining rings with new ones. It is also unacceptable to use a hammer to drive the joint onto the shaft - this destroys the internal geometry and bearings.
Sometimes mechanics forget to check the condition of the gearbox seal when replacing the inner CV joint. If the oil seal leaks, new lubricant will leak out and dirt will get inside. Oil seal It is better to replace it preventively if the car’s mileage exceeds 100 thousand kilometers.
Why does the CV joint crunch immediately after replacement?
Most likely, you used a low-quality lubricant, did not fully secure the retaining ring, or damaged the boot during installation. Check all nodes.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to drive with a crisp CV joint?
Technically possible, but highly not recommended. Wear will progress with every kilometer. At any moment, the joint can jam or fall apart, which will lead to loss of control and an accident. It's better to replace it right away.
How much does it cost to replace a CV joint in a service?
The cost of work varies from 2,500 to 5,000 rubles per side, depending on the region and service. This amount usually includes removal/installation, but not the cost of spare parts and lubricants.
Should I replace both CV joints at once?
If the mileage is large and one is already worn out, the second may be in critical condition. It is recommended to change both units on the same axis to avoid repeated disassembly of the suspension after a short time.
Which boot is better: rubber or polyurethane?
Polyurethane boots are more resistant to chemicals and temperature changes, but they are stiffer and can crack if bent too hard. Rubber (silicone) ones are more elastic and more reliable at large angles of rotation.