Parts for your 2000 Nissan Bluebird-Universal joints

Are universal joints used on the 2000 Nissan Bluebird?

Short answer: not on the typical Aussie or Kiwi 2000 Nissan Bluebird. Technical references including the Nissan Bluebird U14 service manual (front axle/final drive sections) and Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue show that the mainstream 2WD/FWD U14 Bluebird uses CV (constant velocity) joints on its front driveshafts and has no rear propeller shaft. A prop shaft (with cross-type universal joints) only appears on select 4WD/ATTESA variants, which were rare in our market. So, a “universal-joints” listing isn’t relevant to most 2000 Bluebirds sold or commonly found in Australia and New Zealand.

Why no universal-joints on the driveline? The FWD layout drives the front wheels via two halfshafts, each with inner and outer CV joints. CVs are designed to transmit torque smoothly through large steering angles and suspension travel without the speed fluctuations a traditional universal joint creates. That’s why the factory specification calls for CV joints on the front axles, and there’s no need for a rear prop shaft or its U-joints on 2WD models.

One small caveat: there is typically a compact universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft (often sold as part of a “joint assembly–steering”). That’s a steering component, not a driveline prop-shaft U-joint, and it’s serviced differently—usually as a complete assembly if it develops play or binding.

What owners should look for if there’s vibration or clicking under load:

• Clicking on turns or grease flung around the inner guards usually points to worn CV joints or split CV boots.
• General shudder on take-off can be engine/trans mounts, out-of-round tyres, or axle/CV issues—not a prop-shaft U-joint on a FWD Bluebird.
• If the vehicle is an uncommon 4WD Bluebird, then yes, it will have a propeller shaft with universal joints that require inspection for play, rust-coloured dust, or dried-out seals.

Source basis: Nissan Bluebird U14 Service Manual (FWD front axle and final drive chapters), Nissan FAST EPC for U14 (no propeller shaft on 2WD, propeller shaft with U-joints listed for 4WD), and standard FWD driveline design practice specifying CV joints over U-joints at the front axles.

Popular questions

Does a 2000 Nissan Bluebird have universal joints in the driveline?
For most AU/NZ 2WD models, no. They use CV joints on the front halfshafts and have no rear propeller shaft. Only rare 4WD variants got a prop shaft with U-joints.

Is there a universal joint in the steering column on a 2000 Bluebird?
Yes, typically a small U-joint in the intermediate steering shaft. It’s distinct from driveline U-joints and is replaced as an assembly if it develops play or stiffness.

How can someone tell if their Bluebird is 4WD and uses prop-shaft U-joints?
Look for a rear differential, a propeller shaft running to the rear, and 4WD badging or codes on the build plate. The Nissan FAST EPC or the vehicle’s model code can also confirm 4WD configuration.