Parts for your 1997 Nissan Primera-Strut mounts

1997 Nissan Primera strut-mounts

Yes, the 1997 Nissan Primera (P11) uses strut-mounts. The front suspension is a MacPherson strut design that relies on a top mount with an integrated bearing to locate the strut in the tower and allow the strut to rotate for steering. This is documented in the Nissan Primera P11 Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension/FS section) and echoed by common workshop references such as Haynes’ Nissan Primera 1996–2001 and major shock absorber catalogues from brands like KYB and Monroe. The rear on most FWD P11 models uses Nissan’s multi-link beam with separate dampers and coil springs, so “rear strut-mounts” aren’t typically present in the same sense as the front.

On a ’97 Primera, the strut-mounts up front do two big jobs: they isolate road noise and vibration from the body, and they give the strut a secure pivot point so the wheels can steer smoothly. Inside the mount is a rubber insulator to soak up harshness and, in most versions, a thrust bearing that lets the spring/strut turn freely. When these wear, the car can feel a bit crashy over bumps, the steering may notch or bind, and you’ll often hear clunks on lock or over speed humps.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but they’re a wear item. Sensible practice on a Primera is to inspect the front strut-mounts at each service or at least every 20,000–40,000 km, and any time the struts or springs are being replaced. Look for torn rubber, rusty or collapsed tops, spring “twang” when turning the wheel, and steering that doesn’t self-centre nicely.

• Replace mounts in axle pairs to keep steering feel consistent.
• Use quality mounts with the correct bearing style for P11 front struts.
• Mark orientation and follow torque specs from the service manual, don’t rattle-gun the top nut without counter-holding the strut shaft.
• Always book a wheel alignment afterwards, caster/camber and toe can shift when the top mounts are renewed.

Owners who commute on rough roads or run lowered springs will usually see earlier wear. If there’s a rhythmic creak, a solid top-mount clunk, or the steering feels sticky, it’s time to get the mounts checked under the bonnet and at the towers. Fresh strut-mounts restore that tidy Nissan steering feel, reduce NVH, and help tyres wear evenly—well worth doing as part of a suspension refresh on a 1997 Primera.

Popular questions

How can someone tell if the front strut-mounts on a 1997 Primera are worn?
Typical signs include clunks over bumps, a creak or twang when turning the wheel at parking speeds, steering that feels notchy or slow to self-centre, and uneven tyre wear. With the bonnet open, a helper can turn the wheel lock-to-lock, visible jump or shudder at the top of the strut tower, or perished rubber, points to tired mounts.

Do strut-mounts need replacing when fitting new shocks or springs?
They don’t have to be replaced every time, but it’s smart preventative maintenance. On an older P11, the bearing and insulator are often near end-of-life when the dampers are due. Replacing the mounts with the struts saves labour down the track and helps the new shocks perform properly.

Does the 1997 Primera have rear strut-mounts?
Most FWD P11s use a multi-link beam at the rear with separate shocks and springs, so there isn’t a rear “strut-mount” like the front. There are still upper shock mounts/bushes, which can wear and clunk, but they’re a different part to the front strut-mount and don’t carry a steering bearing.