Parts for your 2018 Nissan Serena-Universal joints

2018 Nissan Serena universal joints — what’s fitted and when

Based on Nissan’s technical literature, whether a 2018 Nissan Serena has universal joints (U-joints) depends on the drivetrain. The C27 Serena in 2WD form (MR20DD/Xtronic) and the e-POWER variant are front-wheel drive only and use constant velocity (CV) joints in the front drive shafts, there are no prop/drive shafts running to the rear, so no U-joints are fitted. This is shown in the Nissan Serena C27 Electronic Service Manual (ESM), Front Axle/Wheel Drive Shaft section (CV-type joints only), and the e-POWER Technical Guide, which confirms 2WD with no prop shaft. In contrast, the C27 4WD specification employs a propeller shaft to the rear final drive. The Driveline/Propeller Shaft section of the C27 ESM notes a two-piece prop shaft with cross-and-bearing universal joints, and Nissan’s FAST parts catalogue lists a “Propeller Shaft Assy” for C27 4WD models, indicating U-joints are part of that assembly and typically serviced as a unit.

For Serena owners with a 4WD model, universal joints quietly get on with a big job: they let the prop shaft transmit engine torque to the rear while coping with suspension travel and alignment changes. In plain speak, the U-joints keep everything spinning smoothly even when the angles aren’t perfect.

On the C27 4WD, the prop shaft is usually a sealed, maintenance-free assembly. That means the U-joints aren’t greaseable, and when they wear, the recommended fix in Nissan’s service information is to replace the prop shaft assembly rather than rebuild the joint. Still, they should be checked during routine servicing—especially if the vehicle sees rough roads or extra loads. Tell-tales include a clunk when taking off or shifting from reverse to drive, a steady vibration through the floor between about 60–90 km/h, and red rust dust weeping from the bearing caps. Any free play at the joints when the shaft is unloaded is a red flag.

Good workshop practice on these Serenas includes inspecting the centre support bearing, prop shaft runout, flange bolts and their torque, and ensuring the shaft is reinstalled in its original orientation (phasing marks) to avoid new vibrations. If replacement is needed, a quality prop shaft assembly with new hardware is the go, mixing old bolts or losing balance weights can invite driveline shudder. For most owners, asking the technician to check prop shaft/U-joint condition at each major service (or every 20,000–30,000 km) is sensible. Also keep an eye on any transfer case and rear diff seals—leaks can contaminate the joints and shorten their life. If your Serena is 2WD or e-POWER, relax—there’s no prop shaft or U-joints to worry about, the front CV joints are the items to service and inspect.

• Nissan Serena C27 Electronic Service Manual: Driveline/Propeller Shaft and Front Axle/Wheel Drive Shaft sections
• Nissan FAST parts catalogue: C27 4WD Propeller Shaft Assembly (non-serviceable U-joints)
• Nissan Serena e-POWER Technical Guide: 2WD layout, no prop shaft

Popular questions about 2018 Nissan Serena universal joints

How do I know if my 2018 Nissan Serena actually has universal joints?
Check the build plate/spec sheet for 4WD. If it’s 2WD or e-POWER, there’s no prop shaft and no U-joints. A 4WD Serena will have a prop shaft running from the transmission/transfer to the rear diff—those setups use U-joints as part of the assembly. A workshop can confirm quickly on a hoist.

What are the tell-tale signs of worn universal joints on a Serena 4WD?
Common signs include a clunk on take-off or when shifting from reverse to drive, a humming or droning vibration at highway speeds, and visible rust dust around the bearing caps. Any looseness when the shaft is moved by hand is grounds for further inspection.

Do the universal joints on a Serena need regular greasing?
On most C27 4WDs the prop shaft/U-joints are sealed and non-greaseable. They’re inspected during servicing and, if worn, the prop shaft assembly is replaced. Keeping the underbody clean and checking related seals and mounts helps extend service life.