Parts for your 1993 Nissan Primera-Struts

1993 Nissan Primera: Do struts apply to this model?

Short answer: no, struts aren’t used on the 1993 Nissan Primera (P10). According to the Nissan Primera P10 Factory Service Manual and the Haynes Nissan Primera 1990–1999 manual, the Primera runs Nissan’s multi-link front suspension, where wheel location is handled by multiple control arms. The damper is just a shock absorber and doesn’t act as a structural MacPherson strut. The Infiniti G20 (P10)—the Primera’s North American twin—shows the same arrangement in its Factory Service Manual. Out back, the Primera uses a multi-link beam setup with separate springs and shocks, not rear struts.

Why does that matter? In a MacPherson layout, the strut is a key structural member that locates the wheel and handles cornering loads. In the Primera’s multi-link front end, the links and upright do the locating, the damper only controls motion. That’s why “strut” listings in some parts catalogues can be misleading for this car—they’re actually referring to shock absorbers or complete shock-and-spring assemblies, not true struts.

• Better geometry control: The multi-link front allows more precise camber and toe behaviour through the suspension’s travel, helping grip and tyre life.
• Reduced torque steer: Separating steering and suspension forces was a design goal for Nissan’s multi-link front, improving feel on rough roads.
• Serviceability: Because the shock isn’t structural, replacing dampers doesn’t disturb key alignment points as much as strut cars can.

What should owners service instead of “struts”? Look to the front shocks, top mounts, and the multi-link arm bushes and ball joints. Worn lower arm bushes, upper links, and anti-roll bar links are common age-related items. At the rear, check the shocks, springs, and beam bushes. Tell-tales include clunks over bumps, floaty ride, uneven tyre wear, or oily shocks. A good rule of thumb is to inspect every 20,000–30,000 km and replace shocks around the 80,000–120,000 km mark if performance has tapered off—sooner if the roads are rough or the car’s driven briskly.

If a parts site lists “front struts” for a ’93 Primera, treat it as shorthand for shock absorber assemblies. Match parts by VIN or chassis code (P10) and confirm you’re buying the correct multi-link compatible dampers, mounts, and hardware.

• Does a 1993 Nissan Primera have struts?
  No—front is multi-link with non-structural shocks, rear is multi-link beam with separate springs and shocks.
• What replaces the role of struts on this car?
  Multiple control arms and links locate the wheel, the damper simply controls motion.
• What should be serviced if not struts?
  Front and rear shocks, top mounts, multi-link arm bushes/ball joints, and anti-roll bar links.

Popular questions

Does a 1993 Nissan Primera have struts?
No. The P10 Primera uses Nissan’s multi-link front suspension, where the shock absorber isn’t a structural member like a MacPherson strut. The rear is also non-strut, using a multi-link beam with separate springs and shocks. This layout is documented in the Nissan Primera P10 Factory Service Manual, the Haynes Primera 1990–1999 manual, and the Infiniti G20 (P10) FSM.

What should be serviced instead of struts on a 1993 Primera?
Focus on front and rear shock absorbers, top mounts, multi-link arm bushes and ball joints, plus anti-roll bar links. Inspect every 20,000–30,000 km and replace parts showing leaks, play, or worn bushes to keep ride and handling tidy.

Parts sites show “struts” for my Primera—will they fit?
Those listings typically mean shock absorber assemblies. Verify by VIN/chassis code (P10) and ensure the parts are for the multi-link front, not a MacPherson-strut setup.