Parts for your 2013 Nissan Navara-Cv joint

2013 Nissan Navara CV Joint — purpose, fitment and servicing tips

Technical sources confirm that constant velocity (CV) joints are fitted to 2013 Nissan Navara D40 4x4 models on the front drive shafts. The Nissan Navara D40 Service Manual (Front Drive Shaft/Front Axle sections) details inner and outer CV joints on the independent front suspension, and Nissan’s FAST electronic parts catalogue lists complete front drive shaft assemblies with CV joints for this model year. Australian and NZ aftermarket catalogues (e.g., common listings for D40 2005–2015) also supply outer and inner CV joints and boot kits. Note: 4x2 (rear-wheel-drive) Navara variants do not have front CV joints, they use a propeller shaft with universal joints instead.

On 4x4 utes like the 2013 Navara, the CV joint lets the front wheels receive power smoothly while steering and as the suspension moves through its travel. The outer CV handles the big steering angles, while the inner CV accommodates in–out plunge as the suspension works. Rubber boots keep high-moly grease in and grit out—when those boots split, the joint wears quickly.

For owners who take the Navara touring, towing or off-road, keeping the CVs sweet is about simple, regular checks. At each routine service (roughly every 10,000–15,000 km in local conditions), a quick look at the front boots is worth its weight in gold. If there’s grease slung around the inner rim of the wheel or lower arm, or the boot looks perished, it’s time for attention before the joint gets noisy.

Typical signs a CV joint needs work include a rhythmic clicking on full lock when taking off, vibration under load, or a shudder that feels like a rough wheel bearing but comes and goes with throttle. If a boot has only just split and the joint is still clean and quiet, a quality boot kit and fresh CV grease can save it. If it’s been run with dirt or water ingress, a complete shaft assembly is usually the better fix for reliability and labour time. Always use new clamps, the correct grease, and a new axle nut, tightened to the factory spec. After heavy front-end work, many workshops will also check alignment.

Lifted Navaras work their CVs at steeper angles. Owners running a 2-inch lift, bigger tyres or plenty of corrugations might consider heavy-duty boots and keeping throttle gentle at full lock. And if the vehicle is a 4x2, any driveline clunks are more likely from rear universal joints, not CVs.

• Inspect CV boots each service, look for splits and grease spray.
• Clicking on full lock usually points to the outer CV, vibration under load can hint at inner CV wear.
• Replace boots early, replace the whole shaft if noise or contamination is present.

FAQs

Does a 2013 Nissan Navara have CV joints?
Yes for 4x4 models: the front axle uses inner and outer CV joints as shown in the Nissan D40 Service Manual and Nissan FAST parts listings. The 4x2 (rear-wheel-drive) Navara does not have front CV joints, it uses a propeller shaft with universal joints.

What are the common symptoms of worn CV joints on a Navara?
Clicking or popping on full lock when accelerating, grease flung around the inside of the wheel from a split boot, vibration under load, and a shudder on take-off. Any of these warrant inspection before a trip or tow.

Can the CV joints be serviced, or do they need replacing?
They’re not a regular service item, but boots should be inspected each service. A clean joint with a freshly split boot can be saved with a boot kit and the correct moly grease. If there’s noise, rust staining, or grit inside, replacing the complete drive shaft is the reliable solution.