Parts for your 2007 Nissan Maxima-Universal joints

2007 Nissan Maxima universal joints — are they actually a thing?

Short answer: not for the driveline. The 2007 Nissan Maxima is front-wheel drive and doesn’t use traditional propeller-shaft universal joints (U-joints). Technical references back this up: the Nissan Factory Service Manual for the 2007 Maxima lists front drive shafts with inner tripod and outer Rzeppa constant velocity (CV) joints in the Driveline/Axle section (often labelled FAX/AXL), and there’s no prop shaft in the model, so no cross-type U-joints to service. Nissan’s FAST electronic parts catalogue also lists complete CV-shaft assemblies and related boots/grease, with no driveline U-joint part numbers for this vehicle.

Why’s that the case? FWD layouts like the Maxima’s use a transaxle and two CV half-shafts. CV joints maintain constant rotational speed through large steering and suspension angles, which is exactly what a transverse FWD setup needs. Traditional U-joints are brilliant on a straight-ish rear prop shaft in utes and RWDs, but they introduce speed fluctuation at angles—no good for front hubs that steer. That’s why Nissan engineered the Maxima with CV joints rather than universal joints.

There is a minor exception worth noting: the steering intermediate shaft typically uses small uni-style joints. These are part of the steering column assembly (see the ST—Steering section of the FSM). They’re not the same thing as driveline U-joints and aren’t usually serviced like a rear prop-shaft joint, when worn, the intermediate shaft is commonly replaced as a unit.

If someone’s chasing “universal joints” for a 2007 Maxima, chances are they actually need CV joint or drive shaft work. Common CV-related symptoms include:

• Sharp clicking on full lock turns — usually an outer CV joint.
• Shudder or vibration on take-off — often an inner tripod joint.
• Grease flung around the wheel arch — split CV boot.

Practical servicing tip: inspect CV boots at every service interval. If a boot is torn or leaking, act quickly, running a dry CV joint will chew it out fast. Many workshops in Australia and New Zealand will replace the whole shaft assembly for reliability and time savings. Always refer to the Nissan Factory Service Manual for correct procedures and torque specs.

Technical sources referenced: Nissan Maxima 2007 Factory Service Manual (FAX/AXL—Driveline/Axle, ST—Steering) and Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue for the A34 Maxima model line.

Popular questions

Does a 2007 Nissan Maxima have universal joints?
No driveline U-joints. It’s a FWD car with CV half-shafts. The Nissan FSM details inner tripod and outer Rzeppa CV joints and no prop shaft, so no cross-type U-joints to service. If there’s a clunk or vibration, think CV joints, engine/gearbox mounts, or wheel bearings before chasing a U-joint.

What should be checked if there’s clicking when turning?
That classic clicking on full lock points to an outer CV joint. Inspect the outer boot for tears and grease loss. If the boot’s split or the joint’s noisy, a replacement drive shaft assembly is often the most reliable fix. Get the alignment and hub nut torque sorted per the FSM after refit.

Are the steering column universal joints serviceable?
They’re part of the intermediate shaft. Light stiffness or notchiness can sometimes be improved with correct lubrication, but if there’s play or binding, replacement of the intermediate shaft is the typical remedy. It’s separate from the driveline and not the “U-joint” most people mean.