Inspection After Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Drive Shaft

Replace the drive shaft if there is any runout, cracking, or other damage.

Joint Sub-assembly

Check for any rough rotation or unusual axial looseness.
Clean any foreign material from inside the joint sub-assembly.
Check for any compression scars, cracks, or fractures.

CAUTION: If any defective conditions are found in the joint sub-assembly components, replace the entire joint sub-assembly.

Sliding Joint Side Housing

Check for any compression scars, cracks, fractures, or unusual wear on the ball rolling surface.
Check for any damage to the drive shaft screws.
Check for any deformation of the boot installation components.

Ball Cage

Check the sliding surface for any compression scars, cracks, or fractures.

Steel Ball

Check for any compression scars, cracks, fractures, or unusual wear.

Inner Race

Check the ball sliding surface for any compression scars, cracks, or fractures.
Check for any damage to the serrated part.
CAUTION: If any defective conditions are found, install a new housing, ball cage, steel ball, and inner race as a set.