Description & Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder, 2003 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Only front wheel axle shafts with CV-type joints are covered in this article.

Axle shafts transfer power from transaxle to front drive wheels. Axle shafts consist of a shaft with a flexible Constant Velocity (CV) joint at each end. Inner CV joint is bolted to differential flange. Outer CV joint is splined to hub assembly and secured by a snap ring.

CV joint boots protect CV joints by maintaining proper lubrication and preventing contaminants from entering joint. Boots should be replaced when leakage or cracks are present. Inner CV joint can be repaired without replacing the assembly. Outer CV joint should be replaced as an assembly.

Inner CV joint is a plunging Tripod Joint (TJ), sometimes referred to as a tripod. The plunging action allows axle shaft length to change as suspension moves up and down. Outer CV joint, which is a Rzeppa joint, cannot be rebuilt.