How to Replace the Right Side CV Joint on a 1999 Nissan

Replacing your 1999 Nissan Maxima's right side CV joint requires a high degree of competence in automotive mechanic processes. If you hear a metallic clicking sound coming from the right side of your wheel hub when you are turning, it may be an indication of impending CV joint failure. You may consider changing both CV joints, because if the right side CV boot has been torn for a long period, the left side CV boot and joint may not be in good condition.

• 1

  Loosen the bolt on the negative battery terminal cable from your 1999 Nissan Maxima with a wrench. Remove the battery cable by sliding it off the terminal. Loosen, but do not remove, the right tire's lug nuts with a tire iron. Insert a floor jack underneath the passenger door frame, and raise the vehicle. Insert a jack stand beside the floor jack so the car can rest on the jack stand. Remove the passenger side tire by unscrewing the lug nuts completely. Use a socket wrench or screwdriver to unbolt the engine splash shields. Use a drain pan to catch any oil or fluids that may rest in the splash shields.

• 2

  Use a torque wrench to unbolt the hub nut, which is located in the center of the rotor of your 1999 Nissan Maxima. If the rotor begins to pivot while you are trying to remove the hub nut, insert a pry bar between two wheel studs so it is wedged between them, with one end of the pry bar resting on the ground. Continue to unscrew the hub nut with the torque wrench.

• 3

  Unbolt the caliper from the passenger side rotor with a socket wrench. This allows you to move the caliper and its brake line out of the way while you are replacing the CV joint. Bend and fashion a wire coat hanger so the caliper can be hung from the coil springs.

• 4

  Remove the steering knuckle from the 1999 Maxima's strut by unbolting it with a torque wrench. Pull the steering knuckle out so it can be removed from the Maxima's drive axle, revealing the outer part of the CV joint.

• 5

  Pry the CV joint gently from the trans-axle by using your hands, which should be covered with gloves. Use caution if you need to use a screwdriver or pry bar, making sure to avoid damaging the axle and other delicate parts located within the trans-axle.

• 6

  Insert the new right CV joint into place on your Maxima. The new CV joint should have all of the seals and ABS rings that were located on the used CV joint. Listen for a click, which indicates that the new CV joint has been inserted into the trans-axle of your 1999 Maxima.

• 7

  Reinstall the steering knuckle, rotor and caliper. Use the torque wrench to tighten the hub nut to 174 foot-pounds. Remount the tires, and tighten the lug nuts, making sure the lug nuts are properly threaded onto the wheel studs. Raise the right side of the Maxima with the floor jack, and remove the jack stand. Slowly lower the Maxima, and reconnect the negative battery cable.