Parts for your 2000 Nissan Pulsar-Universal joints

Are universal joints used on a 2000 Nissan Pulsar?

Short answer: not for the driveline. Technical references for the N16-series 2000 Nissan Pulsar (including the Nissan Electronic Service Manual, Front Axle/Drive Shafts sections, Haynes/Almera N16 manual, and Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue) specify front drive shafts with constant velocity (CV) joints — inner tripod/DOJ and outer Rzeppa/BJ — and show no propeller shaft or driveline universal joint assemblies for this front‑wheel‑drive platform. In Nissan FAST, the propeller shaft and U‑joint group (37xxx) isn’t listed for N16, the driveshaft and CV joint group (39xxx) is.

Universal joints (U‑joints) are typically used on rear‑wheel drive or 4WD vehicles to connect a prop shaft between the gearbox and differential. The 2000 Pulsar is front‑wheel drive, so it doesn’t need a tailshaft or those cross‑type U‑joints. Instead, it uses CV joints on each front half‑shaft to handle steering angles and suspension travel while keeping power delivery smooth.

Why universal joints aren’t used on this Pulsar:

• No propeller shaft on a FWD layout, so no need for driveline U‑joints.
• CV joints give constant angular velocity through big steering angles, which suits a FWD front axle far better than traditional U‑joints.
• Factory documentation for N16 covers CV joints/boots, not U‑joint servicing or replacement.

For owners chasing “universal joint” issues on a 2000 Pulsar, the more likely culprits are the CV joints or their rubber boots. Tell‑tales include clicking on turns (outer CV), vibration under load (inner CV), or grease flung around the inside of a wheel from a torn boot. Good practice during routine servicing is to inspect CV boots for splits, check for play, and address any leaks early. If a joint is noisy or the boot’s been open long enough to ingest grit, replacement of the joint or complete shaft is the reliable fix. Torque the axle/hub nut to spec and use quality moly CV grease and new clamps. Note: there is a small steering intermediate shaft joint in the column, but it’s a separate component and not the driveline U‑joint people usually mean.

• Does a 2000 Nissan Pulsar have universal joints?
• What should be serviced instead of U‑joints on a Pulsar?
• Is a clicking noise on turns a U‑joint or a CV joint?

FAQ

Does a 2000 Nissan Pulsar have universal joints?
For the driveline, no. The N16 Pulsar is front‑wheel drive and uses CV joints on the front half‑shafts. Factory manuals and parts catalogues list CV joints and boots, not prop shafts or driveline U‑joints. There may be a small universal‑type joint in the steering column, but that’s a different system.

What should be serviced instead of U‑joints on a Pulsar?
Focus on the CV joints and their rubber boots. At service time, check boots for cracks or splits, make sure there’s no grease sling, and feel for play. Replace damaged boots early, if the joint clicks or has been contaminated, replace the joint or entire shaft.

Is a clicking noise on turns a U‑joint or a CV joint?
On this car it’s almost always the outer CV joint. Clicking under power when turning points to a worn outer CV. A rumble that changes with road speed can be a wheel bearing, while vibration on acceleration can suggest an inner CV.