How to Replace CV Joints on a Nissan Pulsar
by Alibaster SmithThe CV Joint in a Nissan Pulsar is a flexible joint on the half-shaft or driveshaft (depending on which side of the vehicle you are on). The joint allows for mobility in the shaft so that normal driving conditions do not translate into excessive vibrations that would ordinarily snap the end of the shaft. The joint also serves an important function in that it allows a vehicle to turn left and right. Without a flexible joint, you would only be able to drive your Pulsar in 2 directions--forward and backward. Over time, these joints wear down, the rubber boot eventually rips from wear and tear and the joint fails. When this happens, you need to know how to replace CV joints on a Nissan Pulsar so that you can get your vehicle up and running again.
Step 1
Pry the wheel cover off and place the socket end of the impact wrench over the hub nut. Remove this nut setting the impact wrench to turn counterclockwise and activating the wrench until the nut comes off.
Step 2
Loosen the wheel lug nuts with the tire wrench, and raise the Pulsar up on jack stands using the floor jack. The jack stands should go underneath the front pinch welds of the vehicle. Then, lower the Pulsar onto the jack stands.
Step 3
Finish removing the lug nuts and take the front wheels off.
Step 4
Starting with the driver's side, remove the drive axle hub nut using a socket wrench or an impact wrench.
Step 5
Unbolt the damper fork from the shock absorber and the lower control arm, and remove it. To do this, you will need to place the floor jack under the base of the shock, and jack up on it enough to support the shock and prevent the coil spring from unloading while you are trying to remove the damper fork.
Step 6
Use the ball joint separator to remove the other end of the lower control arm from the steering knuckle.
Step 7
Swing the steering knuckle and hub assembly to the side, and pry the CV joint/shaft out of the Pulsar's transaxle/transmission using a flat head screwdriver. Then, pull the other end of the shaft out of the hub assembly. Make note that the snap ring end of the CV shaft comes out of the transmission and not the hub assembly.
Step 8
Install the new CV joint/shaft. Installation in the reverse order of removal.
Step 9
Repeat Steps 4 - 8 for the other side of the Pulsar.
Step 10
Put the wheels back on and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the Nissan Pulsar to the ground and torque the lug nuts to 100 ft lbs with a torque wrench.
References
- Nissan Sentra, Pulsar, NX Repair Manual 1982-1996; Chilton Manuals; 1997
Tips
- To make it easier to insert the new shaft, place a small amount of hard grease on the snap ring before inserting it into the transmission.
Things You'll Need
- Tire wrench Jack 2 Jack stands Pliers Socket wrench with socket set Ball joint separator Impact wrench with air compressor Tie rod end puller Flat head screwdriver Zip ties Hard grease New cotter pin
Writer Bio
I am a Registered Financial Consultant with 6 years experience in the financial services industry. I am trained in the financial planning process, with an emphasis in life insurance and annuity contracts. I have written for Demand Studios since 2009.
