Parts for your 1990 Nissan Primera-Universal joints

1990 Nissan Primera universal joints — are they used?

For the 1990 Nissan Primera (P10), universal joints aren’t a relevant service item because this model is a front‑wheel‑drive design that uses constant velocity (CV) joints on its driveshafts, not universal (U) joints. Technical sources back this up: the Nissan Primera P10 Series Factory Service Manual outlines front driveshafts with inner tripod and outer Rzeppa-type CV joints, and no propeller shaft, likewise, the Haynes Nissan Primera Service &, Repair Manual for 1990s models describes CV-jointed half-shafts as standard equipment on this platform. General drivetrain references such as the Bosch Automotive Handbook also note that FWD cars require CV joints to maintain constant rotational speed at high steering and suspension angles—something a single U-joint can’t do without introducing velocity fluctuation.

Why no universal joints on a 1990 Primera? Simple drivetrain layout. There’s no rear differential or prop shaft in the typical P10 Primera sold in the UK/Europe/NZ/AU markets, so there’s nowhere a traditional U-joint would live. Instead, the car uses two front half-shafts with CV joints that let the front wheels steer and move up and down while still putting power down smoothly. Universal joints are more at home on rear‑wheel‑drive or part‑time 4WD vehicles where a long propeller shaft needs articulation.

There’s one rare exception worth noting: certain Japan‑only 4WD variants related to the P10 family used a rear propeller shaft. Those specific cars can have U-joints. If someone owns a Japanese‑import 4WD Primera/Camino from that era, a quick underbody look for a centre prop shaft will tell the story. For the common 1990 FWD Primera though, servicing should focus on the CV joints and boots.

• What to service instead: inspect CV boots for splits, grease leaks, or clamps that have let go, listen for clicking on full lock (outer CV wear), check for shudder under load (inner CV wear).
• Good practice: replace a torn boot promptly to avoid grit wrecking the joint, use quality moly CV grease and new clamps, consider complete shaft assemblies if joints are badly worn.

Bottom line: the 1990 Nissan Primera doesn’t use universal joints in standard FWD form—so keep an eye on the CVs, not U-joints.

Popular questions

Does a 1990 Nissan Primera have universal joints?
On the usual front‑wheel‑drive 1990 Primera, no. It uses CV joints on the front driveshafts and has no propeller shaft. Only rare Japan‑market 4WD variants related to the platform may have U-joints on a rear prop shaft.

What’s causing a clicking noise on turns—are the U-joints gone?
Clicking on full lock in a 1990 Primera is almost always an outer CV joint issue, not a U-joint. Check the outer CV boots for splits and loss of grease, once grit gets in, the joint wears fast and clicks when turning. Replace the boot and joint or fit a complete shaft if wear is advanced.

What should be serviced instead of universal joints on a Primera?
Inspect CV boots every service, clean and re‑grease if a boot’s been replaced, and watch for vibration under acceleration that points to inner CV wear. Also check wheel bearings and engine/gearbox mounts, as faults there can mimic driveline noises.