Parts for your 1998 Nissan Primera-Driveshafts

1998 Nissan Primera Driveshafts

Based on technical references including the Nissan Primera P11 Factory Service Manual (Front Axle and Front Final Drive sections) and the Nissan FAST parts catalogue, driveshafts are absolutely fitted to the 1998 Nissan Primera. Front‑wheel‑drive P11 models use left and right front driveshafts (CV axle shafts) to transmit power from the transaxle to the wheels. Certain Japan‑market 4WD variants also add a propeller shaft and rear half‑shafts, but most Australian and New Zealand cars are FWD with front driveshafts only.

On this Primera, the driveshafts do the hard yakka of getting engine torque to the road while allowing the front suspension to move and the wheels to steer. Each shaft has inner and outer constant‑velocity (CV) joints packed with special moly grease and sealed by rubber boots. Keep the boots happy and the shafts usually clock up years of trouble‑free kilometres.

Signs the Primera’s driveshafts need attention include:

• Clicking or popping on full lock when taking off or cornering
• Shudder or vibration under acceleration
• Grease flung around the inside of a front wheel (torn boot)
• Clunks when shifting from drive to coast

During regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the CV boots for cracks, splits, or loose clamps, especially after 10–15,000 km intervals or before a WOF. If a boot’s torn but the joint hasn’t run dry or filled with grit, a prompt boot replacement and fresh CV grease can save the shaft. If the joint’s noisy or worn, go for a quality new or remanufactured driveshaft.

Replacement tips owners and workshops swear by:

• Match the shaft to the car’s VIN and ABS ring spec, count splines if unsure
• Use new axle nuts and hub cotter hardware, and torque to the factory spec
• Avoid yanking on the shaft—support the knuckle and don’t over‑extend the inner CV
• Check transaxle seals, top up or replace gearbox oil if any was lost during removal
• Recheck wheel bearing play and get an alignment if the suspension was disturbed

For longevity, avoid full‑lock hard launches, keep ride height sensible (extreme lowering increases CV angles), and fix any boot weeps early. Treated well, Primera driveshafts commonly last well beyond 150,000 km.

Popular questions about 1998 Nissan Primera driveshafts

How long do the driveshafts typically last?
Many Primera driveshafts go 150,000–250,000 km or more if the CV boots stay intact and the grease remains clean. Most failures start with a split boot, so quick boot repairs dramatically extend service life.

Will a torn CV boot or noisy CV joint fail a WOF?
Yes. A split boot that’s flinging grease, excessive joint play, or a clearly clicking CV on lock can all be WOF failures. It’s both a safety and reliability issue, so sorting it early is the go.

Do any 1998 Primeras have a rear driveshaft?
Only Japan‑market 4WD variants. The majority of Australian and New Zealand 1998 Primeras are front‑wheel drive and use front driveshafts only, with no rear prop shaft or rear half‑shafts.