Parts for your 2008 Nissan Maxima-Universal joints

2008 Nissan Maxima universal-joints: do they actually apply?

Short answer: no, a traditional driveline universal joint isn’t used on the 2008 Nissan Maxima. Technical sources including the Nissan 2008 Maxima Factory Service Manual (A34 platform, Front Axle “FAX” and Driveline coverage), the Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue for the model year, and general guides like the Haynes Maxima manual confirm the car is front‑wheel drive and uses constant velocity (CV) joints on its front half‑shafts. There’s no rear propeller shaft on this model, so there’s no place for a classic cross‑type U‑joint in the driveline.

Why that matters: a front‑drive Maxima needs to transmit power while the front wheels steer and move through suspension travel. CV joints (inner tripod and outer Rzeppa designs noted in the FSM) maintain constant rotational speed at larger angles, whereas a universal joint introduces velocity fluctuation at angle, which would cause vibration and harshness. That’s why Nissan specified CV axles, not U‑joints, for this car’s power delivery.

Worth noting: the steering column’s intermediate shaft uses small cross‑type couplings, but these aren’t the serviceable “driveshaft U‑joints” people usually mean. If worn, Nissan supplies the intermediate shaft as an assembly rather than a separate universal joint, and it’s not part of routine servicing unless there’s play, noise, or binding.

• What to maintain instead: inspect CV boots for splits, grease fling, or cracks, address any clicking on turns (often an outer CV joint) or shudder under load (can be inner joint wear).
• During servicing: check for torn boots every 10,000–15,000 km, keep an ear out for clicking when accelerating while turning, and fix promptly—running a dry CV joint will quickly ruin the axle.
• If replacement’s needed: most workshops fit a complete CV axle assembly. Follow the FSM for correct axle nut torque, hub seating, and to avoid damaging the seals. Always get a wheel alignment check after suspension or axle work, and re‑torque the axle nut after a short bedding‑in drive if the procedure calls for it.

FAQs

Does a 2008 Maxima have universal joints in the driveline?
No. The 2008 Maxima is front‑wheel drive and uses CV joints on the front half‑shafts. Traditional driveshaft U‑joints are for vehicles with a propeller shaft (typically rear‑ or all‑wheel drive). Any “U‑joint” listing for this Maxima’s driveline is likely a cataloguing error.

What should be serviced instead of U‑joints on a 2008 Maxima?
Keep an eye on the CV boots and joints, front wheel bearings, lower control arm bushes, and tie‑rod ends. Clicking on turns points to an outer CV joint, grease around a boot or a split boot means it’s time to repair or replace before the joint wears out.

Can a universal joint from another Nissan be adapted to fit?
Not for the driveline. The correct repair is a CV axle or joint designed for the 2008 Maxima. Adapting a U‑joint isn’t appropriate and can create vibration, premature wear, or safety issues. Stick with the specified CV components.