Parts for your 1997 Nissan Primera-Universal joints

1997 Nissan Primera universal-joints: are they even a thing?

Chasing a universal joint for a 1997 Nissan Primera? For most Aussie and Kiwi–delivered P11 Primeras, that part isn’t actually a drivetrain item. The 1997 Primera is a front‑wheel‑drive setup, and its front driveshafts use constant‑velocity (CV) joints, not universal joints. That’s straight out of the technical literature: the Nissan Primera P11 Factory Service Manual (Section FAX – Front Axle) specifies inner and outer CV joints on the half‑shafts, while the Haynes Owners Workshop Manual for Nissan Primera (1990–1999) covers CV boots and joints as the serviceable components. There’s no rear prop shaft on typical FWD Primeras, so there’s nowhere for a traditional cardan‑type U‑joint to live.

Why CV joints instead of universal joints? CVs keep a constant rotational speed through larger steering and suspension angles, which is critical on a FWD car. A single cardan U‑joint introduces speed fluctuations at an angle, which would cause vibration and harshness at the front wheels. That’s why manufacturers spec CV joints for FWD drivetrains. Autodata/parts catalogues and Nissan’s FAST EPC also list CV joints and boots for the P11 front axles, not U‑joints.

• Front drivetrain: CV joints (service items: boots, grease, complete shafts if worn).
• No prop shaft: no rear U‑joints on standard FWD models.
• Steering: there is a small universal joint in the intermediate steering shaft (FSM Section ST), but it’s a steering component, not a driveline U‑joint, and is rarely listed as “universal joint” in parts searches.

Worth noting for completeness: some Japan‑market P11 variants were available with 4WD, which adds a prop shaft. Those are rare in ANZ, and parts data for them still doesn’t point to typical serviceable rear U‑joints in the way a rear‑wheel‑drive ute would have. For the everyday 1997 Primera most people own locally, if there’s clicking on turns, split boots, or vibration on throttle, the technician will be checking CV joints, wheel bearings, and tyres first—not hunting a driveline U‑joint.

Technical sources referenced: Nissan Primera P11 Factory Service Manual (1996–1999), Sections FAX and ST, Haynes Owners Workshop Manual: Nissan Primera Petrol 1990–1999, Nissan FAST Electronic Parts Catalogue, Autodata driveline/axle specifications.

• Does a 1997 Nissan Primera have universal joints?
  For ANZ‑market FWD cars, no driveline U‑joints are fitted. They use CV joints on the front driveshafts. There is a small universal joint on the steering intermediate shaft, but that’s part of the steering column assembly.
• What should be checked if there’s a clunk or vibration on a Primera?
  Mechanics usually inspect CV joints and boots, wheel bearings, engine/gearbox mounts, and tyre balance first. A worn steering intermediate shaft joint can cause steering play, but it’s far less common than CV wear.
• Can a Primera’s universal joint be replaced during servicing?
  There isn’t a serviceable driveline U‑joint on typical FWD models. Servicing focuses on CV boots and grease, replacing the joint or complete shaft if there’s play, noise, or contamination. The steering joint is only replaced if there’s free play, binding, or corrosion per the FSM.