Front Prop shaft Universal Joint

[rogerneale]

My Terrano's gone to my friendly mechanic for it's 135,000 mile service.

I reported to him that I was getting a vibration when driving at about 58 MPH, I also reported a slight "squeeking" when selecting 4wheel drive, I'd noticed that during the snowy weather earlier in the year.

He's just phoned me and told me that the problem is with the "Rear Universal Joint on the Front Prop Shaft", which is very loose and needs replacing.

He told me that he'd phoned Nissan spares who told him that they didn't supply a new U/J but only supply it attached to the prop-shaft.

Anyone know if :-

1. His diagnosis sounds ok?
   
2. I can get the parts for the U/J or a replacment and if so where from?

He said that they would remove the front prop-shaft because it was dangerous and the vibration could damage the gear-box and that the shaft was only needed for 4wd mode so I could use it normally in 2wd until I get it fixed.

Does that sound right ??
I thought the Front prop-shaft only came into play when you slected 4wd.

Any input appreciated.

Roger Neale

 

[Terranosaurus]

Yes thats right. On later models like yours NIssan removed the freewheeling hubs so the front prop turns constantly.

You can get a replacement joint from milner offroad - http://www.milneroffroad.com

 

[BigBlack]

My understanding was that on the newer models the front prop shaft is turning so you can engage / disengage 4wd whilst moving (under 20mph)

I recon the diagnosis would be right, my brother-in-law has been driving his 4x4 (Kia Sorento) without a front shaft for a couple of months after he 'ignored' the vibration and broke it all together... looked a right tool stuck in the recent snow! :lol :lol

 

[Terranosaurus]

My understanding was that on the newer models the front prop shaft is turning so you can engage / disengage 4wd whilst moving (under 20mph)

You can do that on the older models too though - personally if the front shubs are locked in, have manuals or no FWH hubs on later models I would happily engage 4wd at any speed, everything is turning at the same speed - all you are doing is engaging it. With older models the front end is stationary till you engage 4wd, drive to the font prop, diff and shafts has to be taken up first and then on to the wheels as the FW hubs engage - damage is done when people engage 4wd clumsily or when driving too fast.

 

[rogerneale]

Thanks for that guys, it's reassuring to confirm that he's not telling porkies.
I didn't think he would be because I've dealt with him for a long time.

He phoned me after I'd made the posting to say that he'd found a company locally who could supply one. Quoted me £70 total to remove, replace and refit the whole thing so I reckon that's not too bad relatively speaking.

So I should soon be vibration free..... :clap :thumb2

Cheers

 

[BigBlack]

Quoted me £70 total to remove, replace and refit the whole thing so I reckon that's not too bad relatively speaking.

Bargain I'd say!!!! Would have thought the prop would have been that much plus alone! :thumb2

 

[rogerneale]

Oh, he's not replacing the prop-shaft, just the faulty U/J which he found at a supplier locally.

According to the Milner off road (thanks for the link Terranosaurus) the Front prop-shaft complete is £250, so I'm pleased the U/J is replaceable on it's own.

:clap

 

[rogerneale]

Got my truck back, vibration free indeed.

No dount I'll regret it when I get the bill.
I don't know what the total cost will be, service and all..... new front brake pads, new nearside anti-roll link..etc etc.

 

[rustic]

Got my truck back, vibration free indeed.

No dount I'll regret it when I get the bill.
I don't know what the total cost will be, service and all..... new front brake pads, new nearside anti-roll link..etc etc.

It's still the cheapest to run vehicle I have ever owned (Fuel excluded :lol)
15 years from new...
New brake pads, 2 new tyres so far in last 12 months plus service parts.
Still used every day.
Rustic