Parts for your 2012 Nissan Serena-Universal joints

Universal Joints on the 2012 Nissan Serena - What You Need to Know

The 2012 Nissan Serena, a popular people mover in many markets including Australia, is designed with practicality and comfort in mind. When it comes to drivetrain components like universal joints, or U-joints, it's important to understand if this part is actually used on the vehicle and why. After reviewing technical sources and the mechanical setup of the 2012 Nissan Serena, it turns out that universal joints are not a key component fitted to this model. Let's explore why this is the case and what it means for servicing the vehicle.

Universal joints are typically found on rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles where there is a need to transfer rotational force from the transmission or transfer case to the drive shaft, especially when those components are at an angle to each other. They allow the drive shaft to flex smoothly during suspension movement and steering changes, maintaining power flow without binding. However, the 2012 Nissan Serena is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, or it uses an all-wheel-drive system that incorporates constant velocity joints (CV joints) rather than traditional universal joints in its drivetrain.

To break it down, front-wheel-drive vehicles like the Serena generally employ CV joints at the ends of their drive shafts (or half-shafts). CV joints serve a similar purpose to universal joints in allowing power transfer through variable angles but do so with less vibration and more consistent rotational speed. This setup suits the front-engine, front-wheel-drive architecture perfectly, as it accommodates the steering action and suspension travel without excessive wear or driveline lash.

In the case of four-wheel or all-wheel drive Serengens, Nissan often utilises a system with CV joints combined with other mechanisms rather than traditional universal joints. The universal joint is more common in older or larger vehicles with a solid rear axle and long driveshafts. The Serena's drivetrain layout eliminates the need for traditional universal joints by using CV joints and independent suspension setups, making U-joints largely irrelevant for this particular vehicle.

Why does this matter for the owner or mechanic? Knowing that the 2012 Nissan Serena does not use universal joints helps focus maintenance on the right areas. Since there are no universal joints to lubricate, inspect for play or replace, the attention should be placed on the CV joints, drive shafts, axle boots, and suspension components. This ensures the vehicle remains smooth, reliable, and free from unwanted drivetrain noises or vibrations.

For those unfamiliar with universal joints, they are typically cross-shaped components with bearing caps on each end. They allow a shaft to bend in multiple directions while still transferring torque. When worn, universal joints can cause clunking noises, vibration at certain speeds, or even drive shaft failure. Routine checks on universal joints involve looking for any play or looseness, ensuring the bearing caps are well lubricated, and watching for rust or corrosion. But since the Serena does not use these, these checks are not part of a regular service checklist for this vehicle.

So while the 2012 Nissan Serena skips universal joints, the CV joints installed require their own kind of care. CV joints have flexible rubber boots that protect their internal bearings and grease. These boots do wear and can crack over time, allowing dirt and moisture in, which leads to joint failure. Regular inspection of CV boots for splits and proper replacement or re-lubrication is key to maintaining the driveability and longevity of the vehicle's drivetrain.

Overall, if you're servicing a 2012 Nissan Serena or looking to understand its drivetrain, it's best to forget about universal joints and instead focus on CV joints and related components. This knowledge streamlines diagnosis when dealing with drivetrain noise or vibration complaints. It also helps avoid unnecessary replacement of parts that the vehicle simply does not use.

To wrap this up, the absence of universal joints on the 2012 Nissan Serena reflects the design efficiencies that come with front-wheel-drive vehicles. Nissan's choice of CV joints instead offers better durability and quieter operation for everyday family use. When performing maintenance or repairs, always keep in mind the specific parts fitted to the vehicle for accurate, cost-effective service work.