How to inspect the front drive shaft and Universal Joints for potential issues on a Nissan Frontier, and what steps are involved in checking their condition?

A driveshaft is a tube, or a pair of tubes, that transmits power between the transmission (or transfer case on 4WD models) and the differential. Universal joints are located at either end of the drive shaft and in the center on two-piece driveshafts. Single-piece rear driveshafts employ a splined yoke at the front, which slips into the extension housing of the transmission. Two-piece driveshafts have a center support bearing. The universal joints are lubricated for life and must be replaced if problems develop. Problems with the driveshaft are usually indicated by a noise or vibration while driving the vehicle. To inspect the driveshaft, raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Block the front wheels to keep the vehicle from rolling off the stands. Release the parking brake and place the transmission in Neutral. Crawl under the vehicle and visually inspect the driveshaft for any dents or cracks in the tubing. Check for oil leakage at the front and rear of the driveshaft. Have an assistant rotate a rear wheel so the driveshaft will rotate and make sure the universal joints are operating properly without binding, noise or looseness. Listen for any noise from the center bearing (if equipped). Check the rubber portion of the center bearing for cracking or separation. Check the driveshaft mounting bolts at the ends to make sure they're tight. On 4WD models, the above driveshaft checks should be repeated on the front driveshaft, as well. Check for leakage where the driveshafts connect to the transfer case and front differential. Check for looseness in the joints of the front drive axles. Also check for grease or oil leakage from around the drive axles by inspecting the rubber boots and both ends of each axle.

Genuine Nissan Frontier Universal Joints

U - Joints

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10 Universal Joints found

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Nissan Frontier Journal Kit
Part Number: 37126-EA028
$55.70 MSRP: $76.78
You Save: $21.08 (28%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Journal Kit-PROPELLER Shaft; Universal Joints
- Replaces: 37126-EA026
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Nissan's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier | Desert Runner, LE, Nismo Off-Road, Off-Road, PRO-4X, S, SE, SL, SV | 4 Cyl 2.5L, 6 Cyl 3.8 L GAS, 6 Cyl 4.0 L FLEX, 6 Cyl 4.0 L GAS, 6 Cyl 4.0L | QR25DE, VQ40DE
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Nissan Frontier Journal Kit
Part Number: 37126-3S526
$59.21 MSRP: $83.63
You Save: $24.42 (30%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Journal Kit-PROPELLER Shaft; Universal Joints
- Replaces: 37126-3S525
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Nissan's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1999-2018 Nissan Frontier | LE, Off-Road, PRO-4X, S, SC, SE, SL, SV, XE | 4 Cyl 2.4L, 4 Cyl 2.5L, 6 Cyl 3.3L, 6 Cyl 4.0L | KA24DE, QR25DE, VG33E, VQ40DE
View related parts
Nissan Frontier Journal Kit
Part Number: 37126-EA027
$66.36 MSRP: $93.73
You Save: $27.37 (30%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Journal Kit-PROPELLER Shaft; Universal Joints
- Replaces: 37126-EA025
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Nissan's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2005-2021 Nissan Frontier | LE, Nismo Off-Road, Off-Road, PRO-4X, S, SE, SL, SV | 6 Cyl 3.8 L GAS, 6 Cyl 4.0 L FLEX, 6 Cyl 4.0 L GAS, 6 Cyl 4.0L | VQ40DE
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Nissan Frontier Journal Kit-PROPELLER Shaft
Part Number: 37125-EB70A
$49.81 MSRP: $70.35
You Save: $20.54 (30%)
Ships in 1 Business Day
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: U-Joint, Universal Joints
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Nissan's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2021-2024 Nissan Frontier | Hardbody Edition, PRO-4X, S, SL, SV | 6 Cyl 3.8 L GAS
View related parts
Nissan Frontier Journal Kit
Part Number: 37126-EA025
$66.36 MSRP: $93.73
You Save: $27.37 (30%)
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Journal Kit-PROPELLER Shaft
- Replaced by: 37126-EA027
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Nissan's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2006-2010 Nissan Frontier | LE, Off-Road, SE, SL, SV | 6 Cyl 4.0L | VQ40DE
View related parts
Nissan Frontier Journal Kit Center
Part Number: 37126-3S525
$59.21 MSRP: $83.63
You Save: $24.42 (30%)
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Journal Kit-PROPELLER Shaft
- Manufacturer Note: F/M12*1.25*33(9T)
- Position: Center
- Replaced by: 37126-3S526
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Nissan's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2006-2011 Nissan Frontier | LE, Off-Road, SE, SL, SV, XE | 4 Cyl 2.5L, 6 Cyl 4.0L | QR25DE, VQ40DE
- 1999-2004 Nissan Frontier | SC, SE, XE | 4 Cyl 2.4L, 6 Cyl 3.3L | KA24DE, VG33E
View related parts
Nissan Frontier Journal Kit
Part Number: 37126-EA026
$55.70 MSRP: $76.78
You Save: $21.08 (28%)
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Journal Kit-PROPELLER Shaft
- Replaced by: 37126-EA028
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Nissan's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2006-2009 Nissan Frontier | LE, Off-Road, SE | 6 Cyl 4.0L | VQ40DE
View related parts
Nissan Frontier Journal Kit
Part Number: 37125-EB71A
$42.16 MSRP: $58.12
You Save: $15.96 (28%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Journal Kit-PROPELLER Shaft; U-Joint, Universal Joints
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Nissan's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2015-2020 Nissan Frontier | Desert Runner, PRO-4X, S, SL, SV | 4 Cyl 2.5 L GAS, 6 Cyl 3.8 L GAS, 6 Cyl 4.0 L FLEX, 6 Cyl 4.0 L GAS, 6 Cyl 4.0L | VQ40DE
View related parts
Nissan Frontier Insulator-Center Bearing
Part Number: 37522-EA000
$97.46 MSRP: $137.65
You Save: $40.19 (30%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Universal Joints
- Position: Center
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Nissan's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2021 Nissan Frontier | PRO-4X, S, SV | 6 Cyl 3.8 L GAS
View related parts
Nissan Frontier Journal Kit
Part Number: 37125-EZ00A
$54.57 MSRP: $75.23
You Save: $20.66 (28%)
ADD TO CART
Limited Availability
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Journal Kit-PROPELLER Shaft; U-Joint, Universal Joints
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Nissan's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2022-2024 Nissan Frontier | PRO-X, S, SL, SV | 6 Cyl 3.8 L GAS

Nissan Frontier Universal Joints

Nissan Frontier Universal Joints allow the driveshaft to change angles while transmitting engine power to the axles. A Nissan Frontier driveshaft carries one joint at the front and another at the rear so the shaft can pivot as the suspension moves up and down with the road surface. The usual assembly is based on a cross or trunnion fitted with needle bearings mounted in hardened steel cups. The cups press into matching bores of the shaft and yoke, and small clips hold them in place. Each cup has a seal that keeps the factory grease in, while properly greased Universal Joints reduce wear. The Nissan Frontier powertrain operates easily thanks to this crucial component. The first universal joint connects the driveshaft to the transmission slip yoke at the front, and the second joint connects the driveshaft to the differential yoke or flange at the rear. The Universal Joints allow rotary motion to be transferred while at the same time allowing for vertical motion of the rear axle. Worn Universal Joints can cause clunking when the gears shift, vibration when speeding, and squeaks when slow. This means you need replacement Universal Joints to keep the Nissan Frontier driveline working reliably when seals crack or the clips loosen.

If you need any OEM Nissan Frontier Universal Joints, feel free to choose them out of our huge selection of genuine Nissan Frontier Universal Joints. All our parts are offered at unbeatable prices and are supported by the manufacturer's warranty. In addition, we offer quick shipping to have your parts delivered to your door step in a matter of days.

Nissan Frontier Universal Joints Parts Questions & Experts Answers

Journal Kit
37126-3S526
Q: How to inspect the front drive shaft and Universal Joints for potential issues on a Nissan Frontier, and what steps are involved in checking their condition?
A:
A driveshaft is a tube, or a pair of tubes, that transmits power between the transmission (or transfer case on 4WD models) and the differential. Universal joints are located at either end of the drive shaft and in the center on two-piece driveshafts. Single-piece rear driveshafts employ a splined yoke at the front, which slips into the extension housing of the transmission. Two-piece driveshafts have a center support bearing. The universal joints are lubricated for life and must be replaced if problems develop. Problems with the driveshaft are usually indicated by a noise or vibration while driving the vehicle. To inspect the driveshaft, raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Block the front wheels to keep the vehicle from rolling off the stands. Release the parking brake and place the transmission in Neutral. Crawl under the vehicle and visually inspect the driveshaft for any dents or cracks in the tubing. Check for oil leakage at the front and rear of the driveshaft. Have an assistant rotate a rear wheel so the driveshaft will rotate and make sure the universal joints are operating properly without binding, noise or looseness. Listen for any noise from the center bearing (if equipped). Check the rubber portion of the center bearing for cracking or separation. Check the driveshaft mounting bolts at the ends to make sure they're tight. On 4WD models, the above driveshaft checks should be repeated on the front driveshaft, as well. Check for leakage where the driveshafts connect to the transfer case and front differential. Check for looseness in the joints of the front drive axles. Also check for grease or oil leakage from around the drive axles by inspecting the rubber boots and both ends of each axle.