Used Nissan NV400 CV Joints

The NV400 is a front-wheel-drive van, so it does have CV joints — one on each end of each front driveshaft (inner and outer), transferring drive from the gearbox to the front wheels. The rear axle is a solid beam with no CV joints at the back, so if you're hearing a clicking noise from the rear, the cause will be something else entirely. For CV joint replacements, you're looking at the front end only.

The NV400 was introduced in 2011 and has continued as one generation through to the present day, with a mid-life refresh rather than a full model change — so broadly speaking, many running-gear parts share good compatibility across the range. That said, GVW/payload rating can affect driveshaft and joint specification, so a van rated at 3.5 tonnes may not share identical joints with a lighter-rated variant even from the same year. Always confirm the part against your registration with the breaker before buying.

Yes, this is one of the more important factors to check on the NV400. Vans with higher GVW ratings can run heavier-duty driveshaft components, and the CV joint specification can differ accordingly — the model name alone won't tell you this, so check the plate in your door jamb for the actual GVW rating and give this to the breaker. Don't assume a CV joint from a lighter-rated NV400 will be correct for a higher-payload variant.

The NV400 was predominantly offered with 2.3-litre dCi diesel engines in the UK across its range, with power outputs varying (100hp, 125hp, 135hp, 145hp and so on) rather than different displacements. Higher-output versions carry more torque, and there is a possibility that driveshaft or CV joint specification differs between power variants, particularly at the top of the range. Confirm the exact engine power output as well as GVW rating with the breaker against your registration to make sure the joint matches.

Trim level does not affect CV joint fitment on the NV400 — the joints are determined by drivetrain, engine output and GVW rating, not by whether your van is an SE or a higher-spec variant. You don't need to worry about sourcing a trim-matched part; focus on matching the payload rating and engine power instead. Cosmetically the vans may differ in badging or interior, but the running gear underneath is what matters here.

Yes — the nearside (NS, left/driver's side in a right-hand-drive UK van) and offside (OS, right/passenger's side) driveshafts on the NV400 are different lengths, and the inner CV joints in particular will not be interchangeable between sides. Make sure you tell the breaker which side you need, and double-check by measuring your old shaft length if possible. Getting the side wrong is an easy and costly mistake when buying used parts.