Parts for your 1999 Nissan Primera-Universal joints

1999 Nissan Primera universal joints — are they actually used?

Short answer: on most 1999 Nissan Primera (P11) models sold in Australia and New Zealand, universal joints (U‑joints) aren’t a driveline service item because the car is front‑wheel drive and uses constant‑velocity (CV) joints on its front half‑shafts. That’s backed by the Nissan Primera P11 Factory Service Manual (Front Axle/Drive Shafts section), which details inner tripod and outer Rzeppa CV joints, and by the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue that lists front drive shafts (39100 series) but no propeller shaft or cardan U‑joints for the common FWD variants. Haynes’ Nissan Primera P10/P11 manual and Autodata service information echo the same layout. There is a small U‑joint in the steering intermediate shaft, but that’s a steering column component, not a driveline universal joint.

Why the absence of driveline U‑joints? As a transverse FWD car, the Primera needs joints that transmit power at larger angles while the wheels steer and move with suspension travel. Classic cardan U‑joints vary rotational speed at an angle (unless used in phasing pairs with equal angles), which can cause vibration and wear. CV joints keep output speed constant through big angles, making them the better fit for FWD packaging and smoothness. That’s exactly why the P11 platform uses Rzeppa outer joints and tripod inner joints rather than U‑joints on the driveshafts.

One caveat: certain Japan‑domestic 4WD P11 derivatives (e.g., HP11/WP11) were built with a propeller shaft that does use U‑joints. Grey‑import examples do pop up in NZ. If the vehicle is one of those, driveline U‑joints become relevant. A quick check of the VIN/model code and underbody will confirm the presence of a prop shaft.

For owners of the typical AU/NZ FWD 1999 Primera, the practical maintenance focus should be:

• Inspect CV boots regularly for splits and grease fling, replace boots early to save the joint.
• Listen for clicking on full lock (outer CV wear) and shudder on take‑off (inner tripod wear).
• When replacing a driveshaft or joint, pack with the specified high‑moly CV grease and torque the hub nut to spec from the service manual.
• Steering column U‑joint: check for stiffness or play if there’s a notchy steering feel, it’s a replace‑not‑lubricate item.

Technical sources referenced: Nissan Primera P11 Factory Service Manual (1999) — Front Axle/Drive Shafts, Nissan FAST Electronic Parts Catalogue (P11) — front drive shaft listings, no propeller shaft for FWD, Haynes Nissan Primera P10/P11 Service & Repair Manual, Autodata service information on P11 driveline layout.

Popular questions

Does my 1999 Nissan Primera have universal joints?
For the usual AU/NZ front‑wheel‑drive P11, no driveline U‑joints are fitted, it uses CV joints on the front half‑shafts. There is a small U‑joint in the steering column, but that’s not part of the drivetrain. Only certain Japan‑market 4WD variants have prop‑shaft U‑joints.

What should be serviced instead of universal joints on a FWD Primera?
Focus on the CV joints and boots. Look for torn boots, grease leaks, and clicking on turns. Replace damaged boots promptly and use the correct moly CV grease. Also check the driveshaft nut torque and consider an alignment check after major front‑end work.

How do I tell if my Primera is a 4WD model that uses U‑joints?
Look underneath for a propeller shaft to a rear differential, or check the model code and build plate. If it has a rear diff and prop shaft, it will use U‑joints that should be inspected for play, stiffness, or leaking seals during routine servicing.