Parts for your 1997 Nissan Navara-Cv joint

1997 Nissan Navara CV Joint — Relevance, Purpose and Service Advice

Based on technical references including the Nissan Navara D22 Series Factory Service Manual (1997–2004), particularly Section FAX (Front Axle) and FA (Front Suspension), plus the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue (which lists D22 4x4 front drive shaft assemblies and CV boot kits), the 1997 Navara uses constant velocity joints on 4WD variants. The front independent suspension on D22 4x4 models drives each front wheel via a half‑shaft with inboard and outboard CV joints. By contrast, 2WD D22 Navara utes have no driven front axle and therefore no front CV joints, the rear propeller shaft uses universal joints (U‑joints), not CVs. So, CV joints are relevant for 1997 Navara 4x4 models, and not applicable to 2WD fronts.

For owners of a 1997 Navara 4x4, the CV joint is the hardworking bit that lets the front wheels put power down while steering and moving with the suspension. Each front half‑shaft has two CV joints: an outboard joint at the hub and an inboard joint at the diff side. Packed with high‑moly grease and sealed by rubber boots, they keep things smooth and quiet on road, and put up with the angles and articulation off‑road.

Look after the boots and the joints usually last for ages. Once a boot splits, the grease flicks out, water and grit get in, and wear ramps up quickly — that’s when the classic clicking on full lock shows up. Regular checks during routine servicing are the best defence.

• Inspect CV boots and clamps every service (or before/after a big off‑road trip).
• Look for grease spray on the inner wheel, torn rubber, or cracks from heat and age.
• Listen for clicking on tight turns, shudder under load, or vibration that rises with speed.

If a boot is torn but the joint isn’t noisy, a boot kit and fresh CV grease can save the day. Once there’s clicking, it’s typically time for a replacement shaft or joint. Many techs replace the shaft assembly complete — it’s faster, comes with new boots and clips, and saves hassle.

When tackling the job, use quality parts, renew the hub nut and circlip, and avoid pulling the inner joint past its limit. Keep the stub clean, mind the front diff seal, and torque everything to spec per the D22 manual. Aftermarket lift kits and harsh off‑road angles accelerate wear, so more frequent inspections make sense for kitted or hard‑driven utes. Most shops will check both sides, if one has failed from boot damage or age, the other often isn’t far behind.

Stick to sensible service intervals, keep those boots intact, and a Navara’s CVs will stay quiet and get on with the job.

• Does a 1997 Navara 2WD have CV joints?
  Only the 4x4 models run front CV joints. The 2WD has no driven front axle, so no front CVs — just steering and suspension components. The tailshaft uses U‑joints down the back.
• How long do CV joints last on a 1997 Navara 4x4?
  With intact boots and clean grease, they can last many years and high kilometres. Frequent off‑road use, lifted suspensions, and torn boots shorten their life, so check them every service.
• Do CV joints need replacing in pairs, and will it need a wheel alignment?
  They don’t have to be done in pairs, but it’s common to assess both sides. Alignment usually isn’t required just for a CV swap, unless suspension/steering components were loosened or replaced.