Internal CV joint <em>Nissan Almera N16</em>: diagnostics, repair and replacement nuances

Nissan Almera N16 is a popular sedan that is famous for its reliability, but even it has weaknesses. One of them is internal CV joint (constant velocity joint), which wears out over time, especially with aggressive driving or bad roads. Unlike the external CV joint, the internal one more often suffers from destruction of the separator and chipping of balls, which leads to a characteristic crunch when accelerating or driving in direct gears.

If you hear extraneous sounds from the front suspension, do not attribute them to “car features”. In this article we will look at how to accurately diagnose a faulty internal CV joint on Almera N16, which spare parts to choose for replacement, and why ignoring the problem can result in destruction of the gearbox or axle shaft failure. We will also give step-by-step instructions for those who decide to change the CV joint on their own, taking into account all the pitfalls of this model.

Signs of a malfunctioning internal CV joint on Nissan Almera N16

Inner CV joint on Almera N16 (as on most front-wheel drive cars) it begins to “signal” about problems long before critical wear. The main thing is to correctly interpret the symptoms so as not to confuse them with malfunctions of the wheel bearings or external CV joint.

Main features:

• 🔊 Crunching noise when accelerating (especially on straight wheels) - the sound comes from under the bottom from the side of the problematic CV joint. On Almera N16 it often appears when starting from a stop or when shifting into 2nd gear.
• 🌀 Vibration at speeds of 60–90 km/hwhich disappears when you turn the steering wheel. This is due to an imbalance of the axle shaft due to a worn CV joint.
• 🛑 Jerks at start — it feels as if the car is “jerking” at the moment it starts moving. The culprit is play in the hinge.
• 💧 Lubricant leaks on the inside of the boot (if it is torn). On Almera N16 this often leads to dirt getting into the CV joint and its accelerated wear.

Important: crunch external CV joint usually heard when turning, and internal - on straight lines. If the sound only appears when the wheels are turned, the problem is most likely not there.

⚠️ Attention! On Nissan Almera N16 with an automatic transmission, a worn inner CV joint can simulate the “kicks” of the box when shifting. Don't rush to blame the transmission - check the joints first!

Why the inner CV joint breaks: specifics Almera N16

Structurally, the internal CV joint is Nissan Almera N16 (body code N16, engines QG15DE/QG18DE) is no different from analogues on other front-wheel drive cars. However, there are nuances that accelerate its wear:

1. Anther quality. Original anthers Nissan (article 39310-4M000) often crack after 50–60 thousand km, especially in cold weather. This leads to moisture and abrasive entering the CV joint.
2. Axle shaft design. On Almera N16 the axle shaft is solid (unlike collapsible on some Toyota), therefore, when the CV joint wears out, you have to change it entirely or look for a repair kit.
3. Operating mode. Frequent trips on dirt roads or driving with the wheels turned out (for example, when parking) increase the load on the inner joint.

Another feature - lack of viewing window to check the condition of the CV joint without removing it. On some European cars (for example, VW Golf) you can visually assess the backlash by simply turning the drive. On Almera N16 To do this you will have to dismantle the axle shaft.

Reason for wear	Consequences	How to prevent
Torn boot	Dirt ingress → chipping of balls → crunching	Check anthers every 20 thousand km
Aggressive driving	Impact loads → cage cracks	Smooth acceleration, avoid “gas to the floor” with the wheels turned out
Poor quality lubricant	Overheating → scuffing on the holder	Use Molykote BR2 Plus or analogues
Driving with faulty suspension	Increased CV joint angle → accelerated wear	Change silent blocks and balls in a timely manner

How to check the inner CV joint for Nissan Almera N16 without removing

Diagnostics of the internal CV joint without dismantling is possible, but requires care. Here are 3 reliable methods:

1. Sway test:
   • 🅿️ Put the car on the handbrake and turn on neutral.
   • 🔧 Jack up the front wheel on the side of the suspected CV joint.
   • 🖐️ Grab the wheel with your hands at the “9 and 3 o’clock” position and swing it sharply along the axis (back and forth). Play or clicking is a sign of wear.
2. Check on the go:
   • 🚗 Accelerate to 20–30 km/h on a flat road.
   • 🔄 Release the gas sharply and press again. A crunching sound when accelerating is a symptom of an internal CV joint.
3. Visual inspection of the boot:
   • 🔦 Drive the car onto a pit or overpass.
   • 👀 Check the boot for cracks or grease leaks. Even a small hole is a reason for replacement.

If at least one of the tests gives a positive result, the CV joint must be removed for a detailed inspection. On Almera N16 critical play - more than 0.5 mm (measured with a caliper between the holder and the hinge body).

⚠️ Attention! Do not confuse the crunch of a CV joint with wheel bearing knock. The latter manifests itself as a uniform hum, increasing with increasing speed, and not with load.

Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues for Almera N16

When replacing the inner CV joint with Nissan Almera N16 you have 3 options:

1. Original axle shaft assembly (article 39300-4M000 for the left side, 39300-4M001 - for the right one).
   • ✅ Pros: 100% compatibility, resource 100+ thousand km.
   • ❌ Cons: price from 12,000 rubles, often counterfeited.
2. Analogues from trusted brands:
   • 🏆 GKN (Lobro) - article number 501 006 (left) / 501 007 (right). The quality is not inferior to the original, the price is ~8,000 rubles.
   • 🥈 SKF - article number VKJA 6611. A good option for moderate driving.
   • 🥉 Febi - article number 28306. Budget option (from 5,000 rubles), but the resource is lower.
3. CV joint repair kit (if the axle shaft is in good condition).
   • 🔧 Includes: hinge, boot, clamps, lubricant. Popular brands - Spidan (5010-22010), CTR.
   • ⚠️ Suitable only if the axle shaft is intact and there is no play in the splines.

Advice: check when purchasing number of teeth on internal spline - on Almera N16 there should be 24 of them (some analogues have 22 or 26, which is not suitable!). Also note axle length: The left and right sides are different.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the inner CV joint with Nissan Almera N16

Replacing the inner CV joint with Almera N16 requires removal of the axle shaft. If you decide to do this yourself, please provide yourself with time (3-4 hours) and tools. Here is the detailed algorithm:

Required tools:

• 🔧 Set of heads (10, 12, 14, 17, 19 mm) and collars.
• 🔨 Hammer and wooden spacer.
• 🔩 Retaining ring remover (for CV joint).
• 🛠️ Jack, stops, WD-40.
• 🧰 Torque wrench (preferably).

Work order:

1. Removing the wheel and brake disc:

   Jack up the car and remove the wheel. Unscrew the caliper (2 14 mm bolts) and hang it on a wire. Remove the brake disc (if it interferes).

2. Disconnecting the axle shaft from the hub:

   Unscrew the hub nut (30 mm, tightening torque 230 Nm!). Remove the cotter pin and press the axle shaft out of the hub using a hammer and spacer. Be careful not to damage the thread!

3. Removing the inner CV joint from the box:

   Place a container under the gearbox (~100 ml of oil will leak out). Unscrew the 3 bolts securing the inner CV joint to the differential (12 mm). Carefully pull out the axle shaft by rocking it from side to side.

   What to do if the CV joint cannot be removed?

   If the spline connection is stuck, do not tighten it by force - there is a risk of damaging the gearbox seal. Treat the connection with WD-40, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then gently rock the axle shaft while pulling it towards you.

4. Replacing a CV joint or axle shaft:

   If you are changing the CV joint separately: remove the retaining ring, press the joint from the axle shaft (you can use a puller or a vice). Install a new CV joint, lubricate it Molykote BR2 Plus (20–30 grams), put on the boot and secure with clamps.

   If you are installing the axle shaft assembly, simply install it in place, aligning the splines.

5. Assembly:

   Install the axle shaft in the gearbox, tighten the bolts (torque 25 Nm). Insert the splined end into the hub, fit the nut and tighten it with a torque wrench. Install the brake disc, caliper and wheel.

After replacement, check gearbox oil level — when removing the axle shaft, some of the oil could leak out. Top up if necessary Nissan Matic Fluid D (for automatic transmission) or 75W-85 GL-4 (for manual transmission).

⚠️ Attention! On Almera N16 with an automatic transmission, when removing the right axle shaft, it may fall out differential bushing. If this happens, you need to install it back to installation of the CV joint, otherwise the box will hum.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with CV joints on Nissan Almera N16. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

• 🔧 Retightening the hub nut → leads to bearing wear.

  Solution: use a torque wrench (torque 230 Nm). Without it, tighten the nut "by hand" with force, then tighten it 1/4 turn.

• 🛑 Installing the axle shaft without fixation in the gearbox → The CV joint may pop out when driving.

  Solution: after installing the axle shaft into the differential, check that it is seated all the way (a click should be heard).

• 💨 Saving on lubrication → accelerated wear of the CV joint.

  Solution: Use only specialized lubricants (e.g. Molykote BR2 Plus). Litol or solid oil are not suitable!

• 🔄 Confusion of left and right axle shafts → vibrations when driving.

  Solution: on Almera N16 the axle shafts are asymmetrical. The left one is shorter than the right one by ~20 mm. Mark the sides with a marker before removing.

Another typical problem is gearbox seal damage when removing the axle shaft inaccurately. If after replacing the CV joint you notice oil leaks from the box, the oil seal must be urgently replaced (part number 38340-4M000).

Cost of service work and terms

If you are not confident in your abilities, replacing the inner CV joint with Nissan Almera N16 It's better to leave it to professionals. Prices for services vary depending on the region and service station level:

Type of work	Cost (RUB)	Time (hours)
Replacing the boot + CV joint lubrication	2 500 – 4 000	1,5–2
Replacing the inner CV joint (without removing the axle shaft)	4 000 – 6 000	2–3
Replacing the axle shaft assembly	5 000 – 8 000	3–4
Diagnosis of crunching noise in the drive	1 000 – 1 500	0,5–1

Advice: if the service center offers to replace the CV joint without removing the axle shaft (for example, “repress” it in place), refuse. On Almera N16 This can cause damage to the spline joint. Proper replacement requires complete removal of the drive.

The work takes from 2 to 4 hours depending on the complexity. If the gearbox seal or wheel bearing needs to be replaced, the time will increase to 5–6 hours.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the inner 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 CV joint can:

• 🔧 Get blocked while moving, which will lead to loss of control.
• 💥 The gearbox differential will collapse and damage (repair will cost 20,000+ rubles).
• 🚗 Create vibrations that will accelerate the wear of the suspension.

At the first sign of crunching, sign up for a diagnosis.

Which CV joint is better - original or GKN?

In terms of reliability GKN (Lobro) is not inferior to the original, and sometimes even surpasses it (for example, with original CV joints Nissan there are problems with anthers). If your budget allows, take it GKN - this is the optimal price/quality ratio. The original only makes sense for warranty repairs.

Do I need to replace both CV joints at the same time?

No, if the second one is in good condition. On Almera N16 The inner CV joints wear unevenly (the right one usually suffers more). It makes sense to change both only when the mileage is 150,000+ km or if the anthers are torn on both sides.

What happens if you don't replace a torn boot?

After 500–1000 km of driving with a torn boot:

• 🧂 Dirt and moisture will get into the CV joint, which will lead to corrosion of the balls.
• 🔊 A crunch will appear that will progress.
• 💀 The hinge may jam - in this case, the entire axle shaft will have to be replaced.

The cost of a new boot is ~500 rubles, replacement is ~1,500 rubles. It's cheaper than repairing the consequences.

Is it possible to restore a worn CV joint?

Theoretically, yes - there are repair kits with new balls and a separator. But in practice:

• ⚠️ The quality of the restored CV joint will be lower than the new one.
• 🔧 Disassembly requires abs and experience.
• ⏳ The service life of a repaired hinge is 30–50 thousand km (versus 100+ thousand km for a new one).

Conclusion: restoration is justified only for rare/expensive CV joints. For Almera N16 It’s cheaper and more reliable to install a new one.