Parts for your 2017 Nissan Serena-Universal joints

2017 Nissan Serena universal joints (U‑joints): what’s fitted and what to service

Technical sources show the 2017 Nissan Serena (C27) comes mainly in front‑wheel drive, which uses constant‑velocity (CV) joints on the drive shafts and no universal joints. The Nissan Factory Service Manual (C27 FSM) confirms this in Section FAX: Front Axle/Front Drive Shaft, describing tripod and Birfield‑type CV joints and no propeller shaft on 2WD models. However, the C27 4WD variant does have a propeller shaft to the rear differential, and the FSM Section DLN/Propeller Shaft (4WD) specifies a propeller shaft assembly with non‑serviceable universal joints. The Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue for C27 4WD also lists a complete propeller shaft assembly (with staked U‑joints). So: no U‑joints on 2WD Serena, U‑joints are present on the 4WD Serena’s prop shaft.

For owners of the 4WD 2017 Serena, the universal joints play a quiet but crucial role. Mounted at each end of the propeller shaft, they allow the shaft to transmit torque while the angles between the transmission, centre bearing and rear diff change with load and suspension travel. That flexibility keeps the driveline smooth and the van easy to live with on rougher Kiwi and Aussie roads.

Because the Serena’s U‑joints are factory‑staked and sealed, they’re not greasable or rebuildable. Nissan’s guidance is to inspect rather than lubricate: during routine services, a tech should check for free play at the joints, binding, rust‑coloured dust, or sling marks from a failing bearing cup seal. Typical tell‑tales of wear include a dull clunk on take‑off or shifting from reverse to drive, a steady speed vibration that changes with throttle, and an intermittent chirp or squeak at low speed. If any of these show up, the fix is replacement of the complete propeller shaft assembly, then a road test to confirm the vibration is gone.

Practical servicing advice for a Serena 4WD:

• Request a driveline inspection at major services (around every 40,000–60,000 km), or sooner if the vehicle tows or regularly tackles corrugations.
• If removal is needed, mark flange positions to help preserve balance, and always torque fasteners to spec from the FSM.
• Check the centre support bearing and rear diff/transfer oil levels at the same time—U‑joint issues often arrive with companion driveline wear.

Parts selection is VIN‑specific, and reputable workshops will source the correct propeller shaft assembly and replace mounting hardware as required. With healthy U‑joints, the Serena stays smooth, quiet and happy on the school run or a long holiday haul.

Technical references: Nissan C27 Factory Service Manual—Section FAX: Front Axle/Front Drive Shaft (CV joints, 2WD), Section DLN: Driveline/Propeller Shaft (4WD, non‑serviceable U‑joints), Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue (C27 4WD propeller shaft assembly).

FAQs

Does a 2017 Nissan Serena have universal joints?
Most 2WD models don’t—they use CV joints only. The 4WD Serena does have universal joints on the propeller shaft between the transfer and the rear differential, as outlined in the Nissan C27 service manual’s Driveline section.

How can someone tell if the Serena’s U‑joints are failing?
Listen and feel for a clunk when shifting between reverse and drive, a steady vibration at highway speeds that changes with throttle, or a chirp/squeak at low speeds. During servicing, a tech may also find play, binding or rust‑coloured dust at the joints.

Can the Serena’s U‑joints be greased or replaced on their own?
No. On the 4WD C27 Serena they’re sealed, staked and non‑serviceable. The correct repair is to replace the complete propeller shaft assembly and re‑check driveline balance and fastener torque.