Parts for your 2013 Nissan Serena-Cv joint

2013 Nissan Serena CV joint — what it does and how to look after it

Relevant technical sources confirm the 2013 Nissan Serena is fitted with CV joints. The Nissan C26 Serena Factory Service Manual (Front Axle/Driveshaft sections) and the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue list front drive shafts with inboard and outboard constant velocity joints on FF (front‑wheel drive) models, with additional CV‑equipped rear half‑shafts on 4WD variants. Aftermarket parts catalogues for C26 Serena driveshafts and boots also list specific outer Rzeppa and inner tripod/DOJ joints for this model year, making the CV joint directly applicable to the 2013 Serena.

On the 2013 Serena, the CV joint’s job is simple but vital: it lets the engine’s power reach the wheels smoothly while the suspension moves and the wheels steer. The outer joint typically handles big steering angles, while the inner joint manages in‑out movement as the suspension travels. When the protective rubber boot stays intact and the joint’s moly grease is clean, the setup runs quietly for heaps of kilometres.

Good servicing keeps it that way. At each service (or every 10,000–15,000 km), it’s smart to:

• Inspect CV boots for splits, cracking, or loose clamps.
• Look for grease slung around the inner guard, strut, or rim.
• Listen for clicking on full lock, shudder under load, or vibration on acceleration.

If a boot’s torn but the joint hasn’t started clicking, a boot‑and‑grease refresh can save the day. Use the correct high‑moly CV grease, new stainless clamps, and clean everything thoroughly before packing. Once there’s water or grit inside, wear accelerates quickly, if clicking is present, replacement of the affected joint or complete driveshaft is usually the better bet.

Replacement pointers the techs like:

• Use a new axle nut (staked type) and torque it to the factory spec, don’t rattle‑gun it tight and call it done.
• A wheel alignment isn’t normally required for axle swaps, but if any suspension arms or tie‑rods are disturbed, get it checked.
• On high‑kilometre vehicles, consider doing both outer boots, especially if one has already failed.
• 4WD Serenas have additional rear CV joints—inspect them with the fronts.

Australia and New Zealand conditions can be tough on rubber. Heat, UV, and coastal air age boots faster, so quick visual checks between services are worth it. Don’t keep driving for ages with a clicking CV—leaving it too long can escalate into a sudden failure, towing bill, and extra collateral wear.

Popular questions about 2013 Nissan Serena CV joints

What are the tell‑tale signs of a worn CV joint on a Serena?
Common signs include clicking or popping on tight turns (often outer joint), vibration or shudder on acceleration, and grease splatter near the wheel or subframe from a split boot. If caught early when only the boot is damaged, the joint can often be saved with a clean and repack.

Should the whole driveshaft be replaced, or just the joint or boot?
If the boot has just split and there’s no noise or roughness, a new boot kit and fresh grease are usually fine. If there’s clicking, rust‑coloured grease, pitting, or play, it’s often more cost‑effective to replace the joint—or the complete shaft if mileage is high or the inner joint also shows wear. A complete shaft can save labour and avoids mixing old and new components.

Do I need an alignment and what about torque settings?
Axle replacement alone typically doesn’t change alignment, but if a ball joint, control arm, or tie‑rod is loosened, get an alignment check. Always use the factory torque for the axle nut and suspension fasteners, and fit a new staked axle nut. The exact torque varies by engine and driveline, so follow the Nissan C26 Serena workshop specification.