Parts for your 2007 Nissan Maxima-Driveshafts

2007 Nissan Maxima Driveshafts

For the 2007 Nissan Maxima, driveshafts are absolutely relevant — just not the long propeller shaft found in rear-wheel drive utes and sedans. Technical references including the Nissan Factory Service Manual for the 2007 Maxima (front drive shaft/CV joint sections) and Nissan’s electronic parts catalog show the A34-series Maxima is front-wheel drive only and uses two front driveshafts (also called CV axle shafts or halfshafts). There’s no rear differential and no centre prop shaft on this model.

On this Maxima, the driveshafts transfer torque from the transaxle to the front wheels via constant velocity (CV) joints, letting the wheels steer and move with suspension travel while still driving the car forward. Each side has inner and outer CV joints with flexible boots packed with grease. When the boots stay sealed and lubricated, the shafts run quietly and smoothly for many kilometres.

Servicing-wise, the smartest move is to keep an eye on the boots and grease. At regular services, a quick look under the front to check for split boots or grease sling on the undertray, strut, or inside the rims can save the day. If a boot tears, grit gets in and the joint starts to wear, often turning into that classic clicking on tight right or left turns. Left long enough, vibration under throttle and shudder on take‑off will follow.

• Common signs to watch for:
  • Clicking or popping when turning at low speed
  • Grease flung around the inner wheel or suspension
  • Vibration on acceleration or a rhythmic shudder
  • Clunks when shifting from reverse to drive
  • Torn, loose, or oily CV boots

If replacement’s needed, quality new or remanufactured shafts are the go. Good practice includes:

• Replacing the axle nut and any disturbed circlips/seals
• Inspecting transaxle output seals and topping up the correct CVT/AT fluid if any loss occurs
• Torquing the axle nut to spec and correctly staking it (refer to the Nissan service manual)
• Rechecking wheel bearing play and road-testing for noise or vibration
• Getting a wheel alignment check if suspension bolts were loosened

There’s no fixed replacement interval, condition rules here. With intact boots and fresh grease, driveshafts on a well-looked-after Maxima routinely last well past 200,000 km. Regular inspections as part of routine servicing keep things sweet and avoid bigger bills later.

Popular questions about 2007 Nissan Maxima driveshafts

Does a 2007 Maxima have a driveshaft?
Yes, it has two front driveshafts (CV axle shafts) that run from the transaxle to the front wheels. It doesn’t have a long rear prop shaft because the car is front-wheel drive only.

What are the most common signs my Maxima’s driveshafts are worn?
Clicking on tight turns, grease sprayed around the inner wheel area, and vibration under acceleration are the big three. Torn CV boots are often the start of the trouble.

Can a torn CV boot be repaired, or do the shafts need replacing?
If caught early, a boot-only repair and re-grease can be fine. If the joint’s already noisy or gritty, a complete shaft replacement is usually the better long-term fix.