Parts for your 2017 Nissan Serena-Universal joints

Universal Joints and the 2017 Nissan Serena

The 2017 Nissan Serena is a popular people mover known for its practicality, spacious interior, and smooth ride, especially suited to family life and urban driving. When looking at parts like universal joints, it's important to first understand whether this component is actually part of the vehicle's drivetrain setup.

In the case of the 2017 Nissan Serena, universal joints are typically not relevant or used. This is primarily because the Serena uses a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive layout depending on the model and market, paired with a transversely mounted engine. Vehicles with transaxle setups like this generally rely on constant velocity (CV) joints instead of traditional universal joints. CV joints are better suited for front-wheel drive applications because they allow for smooth power delivery through the varying angles experienced by the drive shafts during steering and suspension movement.

Universal joints, by contrast, are most commonly found in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles with longitudinally mounted engines. They connect sections of a driveshaft and accommodate angular changes between the transmission or transfer case and the drive axles. Their primary job is to transmit rotational power smoothly despite changes in alignment and angle, such as when the suspension moves or the wheels steer.

Since the 2017 Nissan Serena typically employs front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with CV joints on the front axle, and may use fixed joints or other types of couplings on the rear axle in AWD models, it does not require universal joints in the same way rear-wheel drive vehicles do. This design helps reduce complexity and allows for better handling and smoother operation during everyday driving, which aligns perfectly with the Serena's role as a family-oriented vehicle.

For those curious about universal joints more generally, they serve an essential purpose in vehicles with the appropriate driveline design. A universal joint, often called a U-joint, is a flexible coupling that allows one shaft to transmit torque to another shaft that is not in a straight line. This flexibility is crucial in vehicles where drive shafts need to accommodate suspension movement, chassis flex, or steering input without losing power or causing vibrations.

Universal joints have been a staple in automotive engineering for decades, particularly in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles. They're found on driveshafts connecting the transmission to the rear axle or across multiple shaft sections in longer drivetrains. When moving, the wheels and suspension move independently, so the U-joint allows the shaft angle to change smoothly, maintaining constant power delivery.

Maintaining universal joints is pretty straightforward but vital to avoid drivetrain issues down the track. Signs of worn or failing U-joints include clunking noises when shifting gears, vibrations during acceleration, or a feeling of looseness in the drivetrain. Ignoring these symptoms can eventually lead to drivetrain failure, which can be expensive and inconvenient to fix.

Replacement or servicing of universal joints usually involves greasing the joints regularly if they have grease fittings, or complete replacement if they are sealed units and show signs of wear. Many vehicles recommend U-joint grease as part of routine servicing every 20,000 to 40,000 kilometres, depending on driving conditions. Harsh off-road use or heavy towing can shorten the lifespan of U-joints, so more frequent checks might be necessary in those cases.

When replacing universal joints, quality matters. Selecting OEM or high-quality aftermarket U-joints helps ensure durability and proper fit, helping maintain smooth power delivery and preventing future issues. The process typically requires removing the driveshaft, pressing out the old joints, then pressing in the replacements before reinstalling and balancing the driveshaft if needed.

Even though the 2017 Nissan Serena doesn't use universal joints in its drivetrain, understanding their function is useful for anyone maintaining other vehicles or looking to get a feel for how different drivetrain components work. For Serena owners, focusing on regular servicing of CV joints, drive axles, and other drivetrain components is key to keeping the vehicle running smoothly for years to come.