External boot CV joint (constant velocity joint) on Nissan Almera N16 - a part that often fails due to aggressive operating conditions. A torn or cracked case allows dirt and moisture to enter the mechanism, which accelerates wear. grenades 3–5 times. If you do not replace the boot in time, the repair will cost many times more: instead of 1,500–3,000 rubles for a new boot, you will have to pay 8,000–15,000 rubles for a complete replacement of the CV joint.

In this article - step by step instructions with photos and videos that will help replace the outer CV joint boot with Almera N16 with your own hands. We'll look at:

  • 🔧 What tools and materials will be needed (including analogues of the original anthers).
  • ⚙️ Step by step process removal and installation taking into account the nuances N16 (differences from other generations of Almeria).
  • ⚠️ Common mistakes, which lead to repeated repairs after 1–2 months.
  • 💰 Cost of work service vs self-repair: which is more profitable.

Signs of a malfunction of the outer CV joint boot on a Nissan Almera N16

The first symptoms of anther damage often go unnoticed until crunch when turning - a sign of wear on the grenade itself. To avoid this, pay attention to:

  • 🔍 Cracks or tears on the rubber of the cover (visible when viewed from the wheel side).
  • 💨 Lubricant on the inside of the disc — if the boot is torn, it splashes when moving.
  • 🔊 Extraneous sounds when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (creaking, crackling).
  • 🛑 Oil leaks near the drive shaft (sometimes confused with a leak from the box).

Critical moment: if upon inspection you see sand or rust inside the boot, the CV joint is already damaged. In this case you will need complete replacement of the hinge, not just the cover - it cannot be restored.

⚠️ Attention! On Almera N16 with mileage of more than 150,000 km they often break down plastic retaining rings on the inner CV joint when trying to remove the drive. If the ring cracks, you will have to disassemble the box to replace it. Before work, prepare spare rings (part number 39310-4M000).

Tools and materials for replacing the boot

To work you will need specialized tool, which is not always included in a car owner’s standard kit. Here's the full list:

Name Note Alternative
Socket set (10–22 mm) Required with extension cord Open-end wrenches (less convenient)
Ratchet handle To loosen the hub nut Lever with extension pipe
Circlip remover For inner CV joint Thin-nose pliers
Hammer and drift To knock out the CV joint from the hub Wood block + sledgehammer
Grease gun To bookmark CV joint-4 Plastic spatula

Prepare the following materials:

  • 🛒 New boot (original 39370-4M000 or analogues: GKN, SKF, Febi).
  • 🧴 CV joint grease-4 (200–250 g; do not use Litol or Solid oil!).
  • 🔗 Clamps (preferably screw ones, not plastic ones).
  • 🧰 WD-40 or an analogue for unscrewing stuck nuts.
📊 How often do you check the condition of the CV joint boots?
  • Every 10,000 km
  • Once a year
  • Only when a crunch appears
  • Never checked

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

The process of replacing the cover Nissan Almera N16 takes 2–3 hours if you have experience. If this is your first time, allow 4-5 hours. Important: carry out work on a flat surface with reliable supports under the wheels!

1. Removing the wheel and hub nut

Jack up the car on the replacement side and remove the wheel. Next:

  1. Unscrew hub nut (size 30 mm) - it is tightened with great force (180–220 Nm). Use the lever!
  2. Remove the brake caliper (unscrew the 2 mounting bolts on 17 mm) and hang it on a wire from a spring.
  3. Disconnect outer CV joint from the hub, gently tapping the hammer through the drift.

2. Removing the drive shaft

The shaft is fixed in the inner CV joint retaining ring. To remove it:

  • 🔧 Unscrew the 3 mounting bolts tripoid (inner CV joint) to the box (10 mm).
  • 🔨 Using light hammer blows through a wooden spacer, knock the shaft out of the box. Do not pull the shaft with your hands — the oil seal can be damaged!

Take photographs of the location of the parts before disassembly|

Mark the position of the shaft relative to the hub|

Check the integrity of the inner CV joint retaining ring|

Prepare a container for old grease -->

3. Replacement of boot and assembly

Now the most important step:

  1. Remove the old clamps and cut off the damaged boot.
  2. Rinse thoroughly CV joint gasoline or kerosene, remove old grease.
  3. Apply new grease CV joint-4 (about 100–150 g per outer joint).
  4. Install a new boot, secure with clamps. Important: the clamp on the side of the box should be screw, not plastic!
⚠️ Attention! On Almera N16 with Automatic transmission The drive shaft on the right side is 20 mm shorter than the left. Do not mix them up when installing - this will lead to vibration at speeds above 80 km/h.
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Before installing a new boot, apply a thin layer of lubricant Litol-24 on its inner surface - this will extend the service life of the rubber by 20–30%.

Typical mistakes when replacing a CV joint boot

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that reduce the life of a new case. That's what can't do:

  • 🚫 Use plastic clamps - they burst when puffed too hard or in cold weather.
  • 🚫 Tighten the clamps - this leads to rupture of the boot at the attachment point.
  • 🚫 Save on lubrication - cheap analogues (CIATIM, Litol) do not withstand loads and temperatures.
  • 🚫 Don't check the retaining ring internal CV joint - if it breaks, you will have to remove the box.

Critical error: installing the boot without centering. If the cover is twisted or misaligned, it will tear at the first sharp turn of the wheel. To avoid this, before fixing the clamps, rotate the shaft by hand and make sure that the boot is not stretched.

Cost of work: service vs self-repair

Prices for replacing the outer CV joint boot at Nissan Almera N16 vary depending on region and service:

Service/Material Cost (₽) Note
Service work (1 side) 2 500–4 000 Excluding spare parts
Original boot 39370-4M000 1 200–1 800 Analogs are 30–50% cheaper
CV joint grease-4 (250 g) 300–500 Enough for 2 replacements
Clamps (set of 2 pcs.) 150–300 Screw ones are more reliable

Total self-replacement will cost 1,500–2,500 ₽, and for service – 4,000–6,000 ₽. However, if you are inexperienced, the risk of making mistakes (and repeat repairs) increases. The best option: buy spare parts yourself and agree with the master about replacement “with your own materials” - this will save up to 40%.

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Savings on clamps or lubrication will result in replacing the CV joint after 5–10 thousand km. Use only proven materials!

How to extend the life of a new boot

Even a high-quality boot will last longer if you follow simple rules:

  • 🔄 Check the cases every 10,000 km or before long trips.
  • 🚿 Wash drive shafts When changing the oil, dirt accelerates tire wear.
  • 🛣️ Avoid abrupt starts with the wheels turned out (CV joint angle >30° reduces service life).
  • ❄️ in winter After driving through slush, dry the boots with compressed air.

Average boot life per Almera N16 — 50,000–80,000 km. With careful operation and regular inspection, this period can be increased to 100,000 km.

What to do if the boot breaks on the road?

If you notice damage to the boot on the way, but there is no way to replace it immediately:

1. Wrap the case thick film (for example, from a garbage bag) and secure with electrical tape.

2. Try do not exceed the speed of 60 km/h and avoid sharp turns.

3. As soon as possible, wash the CV joint and replace the boot - even short-term driving with a torn boot reduces the life of the grenade by 30–50%.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the CV joint boot on a Nissan Almera N16

Is it possible to drive with a torn boot if the CV joint is not crunching yet?

No! Even if there is no crunch, dirt and moisture are already getting into the joint. In 500–1,000 km it will begin ball corrosion, and the CV joint will fail. The maximum that can be done is to temporarily wrap the case with film and drive until it is repaired. no faster than 60 km/h.

Which boot is better: original or analogue?

Original boot (39370-4M000) lasts longer, but costs 1.5–2 times more than analogues. Good alternatives:

  • GKN (article DKF5032) - soft rubber, resistant to frost.
  • SKF (VKJA6635) - reinforced design for aggressive driving.
  • Febi (39370) - a budget option with good reviews.

Avoid cheap Chinese anthers without a brand - they tan at −10°C.

Is it necessary to change the lubricant in the CV joint when replacing the boot?

Definitely! Old lubricant loses its properties after 50,000–70,000 km, and when the boot ruptures, abrasive gets into it. Use only CV joint-4 (For example, LIQUI MOLY LM47 or Molykote BR2 Plus). Litol or Solid oil are not suitable - they cannot withstand high temperatures in the joint.

Is it possible to replace the boot without removing the drive shaft?

Technically you can, but extremely inconvenient. To do this you need:

1. Disconnect the outer CV joint from the hub.

2. Slide the boot along the shaft towards the box (after removing the clamps).

3. Apply lubricant and put the new cover on inside out, then turn it back into place.


However, this method is fraught skewed boot or damage to the box seal. We recommend removing the shaft completely.

What should I do if vibration appears after replacing the boot?

Vibration at speeds of 60–90 km/h is usually caused by:

  • 🔧 Incorrect shaft installation (right/left drives are mixed up).
  • 🔩 Insufficient tightening of the hub nut (torque should be 180–220 Nm).
  • 🛑 Damage to the locking ring internal CV joint.
Solution: Check the tightness of the nuts, inspect the ring and repeat assembly if necessary.