Parts for your 2015 Nissan Serena-Universal joints

Universal Joints and the 2015 Nissan Serena: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the 2015 Nissan Serena, understanding its drivetrain components and how they work can be a little confusing if you're new to car maintenance. One common question that pops up is whether universal joints, or U-joints as they are often called, are part of this vehicle's setup. After digging through technical sources and Nissan's own material, it turns out the 2015 Serena does not use universal joints.

This might seem a bit surprising if you're familiar with traditional rear-wheel drive cars or older 4WDs where universal joints are a key part in handling the transmission of power to the wheels, especially around corners or angles in the drive shaft. However, the Serena is a front-wheel drive (FWD) multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), which means it employs a different kind of drivetrain design that doesn't require traditional universal joints.

The reason universal joints are not used in the 2015 Nissan Serena mainly comes down to how front-wheel drive systems work. The Serena utilises constant velocity (CV) joints instead of universal joints. CV joints serve a similar purpose to U-joints in that they allow power to be transmitted at varying angles, but they are specifically designed to work efficiently with the shorter drive shafts and the constant angle changes involved in front-wheel drive setups.

Universal joints are typically found on rear-wheel drive and some four-wheel drive vehicles with longer drive shafts to accommodate the rear differential and suspension movement. They are excellent at transmitting torque through various angles but can be noisier and require regular maintenance due to their design. The Serena, with its FWD layout and independent suspension, uses CV joints that are better suited for the frequent and smooth angular movement at the front wheels.

So, if you're servicing a 2015 Nissan Serena and you're wondering about universal joints, the focus should actually be on the CV joints and their boots, which protect the joint and keep grease inside. These are the components that will need attention rather than universal joints.

For the sake of clarity and what typically applies to vehicles that do use universal joints, here's a bit of insight on what universal joints do and how they require care - just to give you an idea if you find yourself working on other cars as well.

Universal joints are mechanical components that allow a shaft to transmit rotary motion even when the angle between the input and output shafts changes. They're crucial in vehicles with drivetrains that have to handle variations in alignment caused by suspension movement or steering. You'll find them in the propeller shafts of rear-wheel drive vehicles, ATV drive shafts, and certain four-wheel drive systems.

The beauty of universal joints is that they can flex and accommodate changes in direction while maintaining the transfer of power, preventing driveshaft binding when the wheels move up and down or turn. Over time though, because universal joints have moving parts that are subject to friction, they require maintenance such as lubrication and eventual replacement if the joint wears out.

Signs that a universal joint might be wearing include clunking noises when shifting from drive to reverse, vibrations during acceleration, or visible rust and play in the joint itself. Neglecting a failing U-joint can lead to driveshaft failure, which is a major repair and can be dangerous on the road.

Service-wise, universal joints typically need greasing at regular intervals. Some are sealed and don't require lubrication, but many models have grease nipples so mechanics or DIY enthusiasts can apply grease to prolong the joint's life. If the joint shows excessive movement or wear, it's best to replace it rather than risk driveline damage.

Back to the 2015 Nissan Serena, instead of universal joints, owners should focus on inspecting the CV joints and especially the CV boots. The boots are rubber or plastic covers that keep the grease in and dirt out. If a CV boot is cracked or torn, dirt and water can enter, which causes the joint to wear out quickly. This leads to clicking noises when turning and can eventually cause joint failure.

Regular servicing should involve checking the CV boots for any damage or leaks and replacing them promptly if needed. Maintaining the CV joints in good condition ensures smooth power delivery to the front wheels, reduces vibrations, and helps keep the drive system in great shape.

While the 2015 Nissan Serena doesn't utilise universal joints, understanding the difference between U-joints and CV joints highlights why different drivetrains rely on their own specific components based on design and function. So, if you're servicing a Serena, your universal joints will remain untouched, but that doesn't mean there aren't important drivetrain parts worth giving some TLC.