Parts for your 2016 Nissan Navara-Universal joints

2016 Nissan Navara universal joints (U-joints)

Based on technical references including the Nissan Navara D23/NP300 Workshop Manual (Propeller Shaft section), the Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue for D23 (propeller shaft and differential companion flange listings), and major driveline catalogues (e.g., Spicer/NTN applications for NP300), the 2016 Nissan Navara is fitted with cross-and-roller universal joints on its propeller shaft(s). Front wheel half-shafts use constant velocity (CV) joints, but the rear driveline and, on many 4x4 variants, the transfer-case prop shaft to the front diff, use U-joints—so they’re absolutely relevant to this ute.

Universal joints let the propeller shaft transmit torque while the suspension moves and the driveline runs at slight angles. On the 2016 Navara, they keep the connection between the transmission or transfer case and the differential smooth and reliable, even when the tray’s loaded, towing a trailer, or when the track gets rough. When the joints wear, the tell-tales are familiar: clunks on take-off, a chirp or squeak at low speeds, and a vibration under load or on overrun.

• Common symptoms: clunk when shifting from park to drive, squeak at 10–30 km/h, vibration at highway speeds, visible red dust or looseness at the bearing caps.
• Service habit: check for free play and roughness every service, grease if the joint is greaseable, replace if there’s any binding or noticeable play.

Servicing is straightforward. At each service interval, inspect the caps for movement, check the seals, and rotate the joint by hand to feel for notchiness. If your Navara has greaseable U-joints, give them a pump of quality EP2 lithium grease until fresh grease purges—wipe off the excess. Many factory joints are sealed and non-greaseable, if they’re noisy or loose, replacement is the go.

When replacing, mark the flanges and yokes so the shaft goes back in phase and maintains balance. Support the shaft to protect the transfer case seal, press the bearing cups in square, and fit new circlips. Use new flange bolts where specified and torque to the D23 workshop manual. If one joint has failed, it’s smart to inspect—and often replace—the other on the same shaft. Aftermarket greaseable joints from reputable brands are popular for touring and farm use.

Towing, corrugations, water crossings, and beach work all accelerate wear. Rinse salt off the driveline after coastal trips, and keep on top of checks if the ute spends its life loaded or on rough roads. A tidy set of U-joints keeps the Navara smooth, quiet, and ready for the next run.

Does the 2016 Navara use U-joints or CVs?

It uses both. The rear propeller shaft (and often the front prop shaft on 4x4s) runs universal joints. The front wheel half-shafts use CV joints because they need greater articulation while steering. So U-joints are definitely part of the Navara’s driveline.

How often should the U-joints be serviced or greased?

Have them inspected at every scheduled service. If yours are greaseable, give them a few pumps of EP2 grease each service or after heavy water/sand use. Sealed OEM joints can’t be greased, if they squeak or show play, replacement is recommended.

What should be done during replacement to avoid vibration?

Mark the flanges and yokes before removal, keep the yokes in phase, and torque the flange bolts to the D23 manual. If there’s still a vibration after replacement, have the shaft checked for balance and the centre bearing (if fitted) inspected.