Parts for your 1993 Nissan Primera-Centre bearing

1993 Nissan Primera centre-bearing — what’s actually fitted

Short answer: a traditional tailshaft centre-bearing isn’t used on a 1993 Nissan Primera (P10) as sold in Australia and New Zealand, because it’s a front‑wheel‑drive layout with no propeller shaft. That’s backed by the Nissan Primera P10 Factory Service Manual (Driveline/Axle and FWD transaxle sections) and the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue for P10 models, which list front half‑shafts and an intermediate (right‑hand) driveshaft support bearing, but no tailshaft or centre support bearing assembly. Haynes’ Primera manual for the era also depicts the transverse engine and front drive axles only, again with no prop shaft.

Why no centre-bearing? A centre-bearing is used to support a long, multi‑piece tailshaft on rear‑ or all‑wheel‑drive vehicles. The P10 Primera runs a transverse engine and transaxle that drive the front wheels directly, so there’s nothing running down the centre tunnel that would need a centre support. Instead, the Primera uses an intermediate shaft on the right‑hand side to keep the front driveshafts equal length and reduce torque steer. That intermediate shaft is carried by a bracket and a pressed‑in bearing on the engine block. Some folks casually call that item a “centre bearing”, but technically it’s an intermediate (carrier) bearing for the RH driveshaft, not a tailshaft centre-bearing.

Shoppers searching for a “centre-bearing” for this car usually need one of the following:

• RH driveshaft intermediate/carrier bearing (and possibly its bracket), or
• A complete RH intermediate shaft assembly with the bearing pre‑installed.

Handy tips for owners and techs:

• Symptoms of a tired RH intermediate bearing include a droning or growling noise that changes with road speed, vibration under load, and sometimes oily residue if the seal nearby is weeping.
• When replacing, press the new bearing squarely into the bracket and torque the bracket fasteners to spec from the FSM. Always recheck CV boots and gearbox seals while you’re in there.
• Part numbers vary by engine (e.g., GA16DE vs SR20DE) and market. Use the VIN in Nissan FAST or an OEM parts desk to confirm the correct bearing/assembly.

Technical references: Nissan Primera P10 Factory Service Manual (1990–1996), Driveline/Axle and FWD sections, Nissan FAST EPC for P10 chassis, Haynes Nissan Primera 1990–1999 manual. Note: rare JDM 4WD variants exist, but AU/NZ 1993 models are FWD and do not use a tailshaft centre-bearing.

Does a 1993 Nissan Primera have a centre-bearing?

No, not a tailshaft centre-bearing on the typical AU/NZ FWD models. It uses a right‑hand driveshaft intermediate (carrier) bearing instead, mounted to a bracket on the engine block. Only vehicles with a multi‑piece propeller shaft need a centre support bearing.

What should be ordered if searching for a “centre-bearing” on this car?

Ask for the RH driveshaft intermediate/carrier bearing, or the complete RH intermediate shaft assembly that includes the bearing. Use the VIN to confirm the exact part, as engines and trim levels can change the spec.

How can someone tell the intermediate bearing is worn?

Listen for a steady droning or rumbling that increases with speed and sometimes worsens under acceleration. A quick check on a hoist can reveal play at the RH intermediate shaft near its bracket. Rule out tyre noise and wheel bearings first, as they can sound similar.