2001-2002 Quest & Villager Axle Shaft: Diagnosing Clicks, Vibrations, and Replacement

A Note on Compatibility: The Quest & Villager Connection

The 2001-2002 Nissan Quest was the result of a joint venture with Ford Motor Company. It is mechanically almost identical to the 2001-2002 Mercury Villager. Because of this, many parts, including the front axle shafts, are interchangeable between the two vans. You will often see part numbers from Ford, Mercury, and Nissan listed for the same axle shaft. This shared platform is a key piece of information when searching for a used replacement part.

Symptoms of a Failing Axle Shaft

Axle shaft failure typically happens in one of the two CV joints. The symptoms are distinct depending on which joint is failing and how badly it is worn.

1. Clicking or Popping Noise When Turning

This is the most common and classic sign of a failing outer CV joint. The sound is a rhythmic clicking or popping that gets faster as you accelerate through a turn. It will be most noticeable during sharp, low-speed turns, like pulling into a parking space or making a U-turn. You can often diagnose which side is bad by turning in a circle in an empty parking lot; a sharp left turn will typically make a bad driver's side axle click, and a right turn will make a bad passenger's side axle click.

2. Vibration or Shudder During Acceleration

A vibration that you feel through the floor and steering wheel, but only when you are accelerating, is a primary symptom of a worn inner CV joint. This vibration may disappear the moment you let off the gas pedal. This is caused by excessive play in the joint that connects to the transaxle, creating an imbalance as it spins under load.

3. Clunking or Banging Sounds

A loud clunk when you shift from Drive to Reverse, or when you suddenly accelerate or decelerate, can indicate severe wear in either CV joint. This sound is the result of excessive slack in the drivetrain, with the worn joint banging as the load is applied or reversed.

4. Visible Grease Leak

CV joints are packed with a thick, dark grease and sealed by a flexible rubber boot. If this boot tears, the spinning axle will sling grease onto the inside of your wheel, the suspension components, and the undercarriage. This is a visual warning sign. Once the grease is gone and contaminants like dirt and water get in, the joint will wear out very quickly.

Buying a Used Axle Shaft: What to Inspect

A high-quality, low-mileage used OEM axle is often a better choice than a brand-new, cheap aftermarket part. Aftermarket axles can sometimes cause vibrations right out of the box due to less stringent balancing and manufacturing tolerances. Here’s what to look for when buying used:

• Inspect the Boots: This is the most critical check. Carefully examine both the inner and outer rubber boots. Squeeze and flex them. Look for any cracks, splits, pinholes, or signs of dry rot. A perfect boot is essential.
• Check for Leaking Grease: Any sign of dark, heavy grease on the outside of the boot or shaft means the boot has failed. Do not buy an axle with a leaking boot, as the joint is likely contaminated and worn.
• Test the Joints for Play: Hold the shaft and try to move the outer joint. It should move smoothly through its range of motion but should have minimal to no clicking or sloppy play. For the inner joint, there should be some in-and-out plunging motion, but no excessive looseness or clunking when you twist it.
• Verify Side and ABS Ring: Confirm you are buying the correct axle for the driver (left) or passenger (right) side, as they are different lengths. The 2001-2002 Quest axles typically come with an ABS tone ring (a toothed ring on the outer joint). These axles are compatible with both ABS and non-ABS models.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins

As of mid-2024, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Nissan or the NHTSA related to axle shaft failure on the 2001-2002 Nissan Quest. Failure is generally considered a result of normal wear and tear, most often initiated by a torn CV boot.

Replacement Overview & Special Procedures

Replacing the axle shaft is a job that a skilled DIY mechanic can perform. The general process involves lifting the vehicle, removing the wheel, and then detaching suspension components to allow the axle to be removed.

Key steps include:

1. Loosening the large central axle nut while the vehicle is still on the ground.
2. Raising and securing the vehicle on jack stands.
3. Removing the wheel, brake caliper, and rotor.
4. Unbolting the steering knuckle from the strut assembly to get enough room to maneuver.
5. Using a pry bar to carefully pop the inner end of the axle out of the transaxle. Be prepared for a small amount of transmission fluid to leak out.
6. Installation is the reverse of removal. Ensure the new axle's inner splines are fully seated in the transaxle.

Critical Torque Specs

The single most important step of the installation is correctly torquing the main axle spindle nut. Improper torque can lead to premature wheel bearing failure or, in a worst-case scenario, the hub separating from the vehicle. For the 1994-2002 Nissan Quest, the specification is 174-232 ft-lbs (237-316 Nm). Always use a torque wrench for this final step.

Related Parts to Consider

• Transaxle Output Seal: While the axle is out, it is an excellent time to replace the transmission axle seal. This is a low-cost part that can prevent future transmission fluid leaks.
• Lower Ball Joint: If the ball joint is old or needs to be separated to get the axle out, inspect it for wear and consider replacing it at the same time.

Cost of Replacement (2001-2002 Nissan Quest)

Technical Specifications & Part Numbers

The following OEM part numbers are associated with the front axle shafts for the 2001-2002 Nissan Quest and its Mercury Villager counterpart. Note that left (driver side) and right (passenger side) axles have different part numbers. Always confirm the correct side before purchasing.

• Nissan: 39100-5Z000, 39100-5Z005, 39101-1B000, 39101-1JA0A, 39101-5B600
• Ford / Mercury / Motorcraft: F3XY-3A428-A, F3XY-3A428-B, 1F5Z-3B436-AA, F3XY-3B436-A, F7XZ-3B436-AA, XF5Z-3B436-AA, TX-351

Frequently Asked Questions