Nissan 37126-3S526 Journal Kit

The driveshaft is a long tube or two separate tubes. Main points connect to the transmission at one end and the differential at the other. Universal joints stand like hinges in the center on both one-piece and two-piece driveshafts. Single-piece rear driveshafts connect with a cup-shaped fitting at the front that slides into a rear housing when the car works. In contrast, two-piece rear driveshafts link two parts together using a cylindrical yoke that unlocks the pieces as the car moves. Two-piece drive shafts forTerrain vehicles have a support bearing linking to the frame crossmember, while the 4WD front driveshaft uses a slip joint to allow changing its length. The driveshaft needs little attention, since its universal joints come pre-lubricated and don't wear out, but if problems show up, you may need to remove it from the car. We need to keep the driveshaft clean and check it for damage. Also, make sure any balancing weights are okay, and install the driveshaft back exactly as it was for the correct balance. When your car shakes or makes noises when driving, you should take it on a check drive to figure out which part needs fixing. To do the check, lift the vehicle and block the wheels so it can't move. Make sure you look at the driveshaft for dents and cracks; if you see oil leaking from either end, the seal needs replacement. When inspecting the vehicle, an assistant needs to do two checks. They rotate a wheel to check how well the universal joints work, and they look for wear or damage at the center bearing. When parked still, you can test the universal joint by trying to turn its shaft. Any movement shows it's wearing out. Four-wheel-drive owners should check the front driveshaft bolt tightness, and search for leaking fluid from the slip yoke, transfer case, and front differential connections. This reveals worn out seals in the front drive. Before moving on, check both front driveaxle joints for movement and look for any fluid dripping out from the rubber axle boots or ends. If axles leak around their flanges, the oil seal is likely broken.

Always purchase a universal joint service kit for your model vehicle before beginning this procedure. Also, read through the entire procedure before beginning work. On all models, select-fit snap-rings are which should be 0.0008-inch (0.02 mm) or less. Check with your local auto parts store or dealer service department if the endplay is greater than specified after the joint is assembled (or if the joint is extremely tight and won't free-up). Remove the driveshaft. Place the driveshaft on a bench equipped with a vise. Remove the snap-rings with a small pair of pliers. Support the cross (also called a spider) on a short piece of pipe or a large socket and use another socket to press out the cross by closing the vise. Press the cross through as far as possible, then grip the bearing cap with pliers and remove it. A universal joint repair kit will contain a new cross, seals, bearings, caps and snap rings. Inspect the bearing cap bores in the yokes for wear and damage. If the bearing cap bores in the yoke are so worn that the caps are a loose fit, the driveshaft will have to be replaced with a new one. Make sure the dust seals are properly located on the cross. Using a vise, press one bearing cap into the yoke approximately 1/4-inch. Use chassis grease to hold the needle rollers in place in the caps. Insert the cross into the partially installed bearing cap, taking care not to dislodge the needle rollers. Hold the cross in correct alignment and press both caps into place by slowly and carefully closing the jaws of the vise. Use a socket slightly smaller in diameter than the caps to press them into the yoke. Press in one side, install the snap-ring, then press the other side to shift the cross assembly tight against the installed snap-ring and install the other snap-ring. Repeat the operations for the remaining two bearing caps. If the joint is stiff after assembly, strike the yoke sharply with a hammer. This will spring the yoke ears slightly and free up the joint.

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.

A driveshaft is a hollow tube that transfers power from the transmission to the differential. It has moving joints between the two ends and the middle of twin-shaft systems. In a single-piece rear driveshaft system, one end goes straight into the transfer case or transmission, and the other has a special connection to the middle part of a two-piece driveshaft, making it move when you drive. Two-piece rear driveshafts have a central support bearing attached directly to the frame crossmember underneath the vehicle, and 4WD models have a joint on the front driveshaft that can move to keep up with length changes. You only need basic maintenance for your driveshaft setup. Universal joints automatically get lubricated when they are needed, while any repair jobs mean taking the driveshaft out of the car. Checking the driveshaft for damage, keeping it clean, making sure balancing weights stay in place, and re-installing it in the same spot is what we need to do to keep things running right. When you hear noise or feel vibration while driving, a road test helps us find what's wrong with the driveshaft. To inspect the driveshaft properly, the car has to be lifted stable while blocking the wheels to stop it rolling. Looking at your driveshaft and spotting dents or cracks matters. Oil escaping from the front or back shows a broken seal. When you look under the car, you can check the universal joints by turning the wheel, and unusual sounds from the center bearing tell you the bearings might be worn out. You can tell if the universal joint needs replacement by twisting it and making sure the mounting bolts are tightened. To check the front driveshaft on 4WDs, look for oil leakage coming from the slip yoke and from the areas where the driveshafts meet the transfer case and front differential. Seals worn out by oil leakage need to be replaced. When examining the front driveaxles, watch for loose components. Also look for rubber boot repairs between the joint and axle ends, as oil leakage near axle connections means the oil seal is damaged, while grease leaks from the boots shows a torn gasket.