I have a 2009 SV maxima with almost 100K on it.
I have a feeling the U joints need to be replaced.
Does anyone know if this can be done without replacing the entire drive shaft as well?

 

U-joints are on the driveshaft of RWD and AWD vehicles

if youre referring to the CV joint/axle then yes you basically have to replace the whole axle

 

What's a u joint?

 

 

Answer:

 

its on the driveshaft to allow it to change angles and bend while still being able to transfer motion

 

Just to actually answer for you. Your max doesn't have u-joints you'll have cv axles. To change them you'll replace the whole shaft. But there's no need to unless you actually have an issue with the joint. We don't even replace them for a split boot. We'll regrease them and install a new boot. Unless there's a defect there's no reason to replace them just sure to mileage.

 

Actually there are a couple U-joints. They're in the steering column shaft.

 

It took me less than an hour when I replaced my passenger side axle assy. If I recall correctly, less than 100 from rockauto!