Parts for your 2004 Nissan Primera-Cv joint

2004 Nissan Primera CV Joint: What It Does, What Fails, and How to Look After It

Technical sources confirm the 2004 Nissan Primera (P12) is fitted with CV joints on the front drive shafts. The Nissan Primera P12 Factory Service Manual (Driveline/Axle section), the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue for P12 (listing complete drive shafts and separate outer/inner joint kits), plus aftermarket data such as Haynes for Primera P12 and Autodata, all identify an outer Rzeppa-type CV joint at the wheel end and an inner tripod-type plunging joint at the transaxle. So, a CV joint is absolutely relevant to this vehicle.

On the 2004 Primera, the CV joint’s job is to send power to the front wheels smoothly while they steer and move up and down over bumps. The outer Rzeppa joint copes with large steering angles without binding, while the inner tripod joint slides in and out to handle suspension travel and keep vibration down. When they’re happy and well-greased, you’ll hardly notice them, when they’re not, you’ll hear clicking on turns, feel shudder on acceleration, or spot grease flung around the inside of the rim.

Servicing is mostly about prevention. During routine oil services, it’s smart to inspect both front CV boots every 10–15,000 km. Look for splits, perished rubber, loose clamps, or slung grease. A torn boot lets water and grit in and quickly destroys the joint. Catch a boot early and a simple boot kit with fresh moly CV grease can save the day (and your wallet). If the joint has started clicking, knocking, or has obvious play, it’s time for a replacement joint or a complete shaft assembly.

When replacing, go for quality parts that suit your P12’s engine and transmission variant. The axle/hub nut on these is a high-torque, staked type—always use a new nut and follow the factory torque-and-stake procedure from the service manual. Don’t let the shaft hang from the inner joint, and avoid pulling the tripod rollers apart. After refitting, check for smooth rotation and no binding lock-to-lock, then road test for vibration on acceleration. Wheel alignment usually isn’t required for a CV job, but it’s worth checking tyre wear and balance while you’re there.

A well-fitted boot and the correct grease go a long way. On a Primera that does a lot of city driving or sees rough roads, more frequent inspections are cheap insurance.

Does a 2004 Nissan Primera have CV joints at the front and rear?

Yes at the front. The P12 Primera sold in Australia and New Zealand is front-wheel drive, so it uses CV joints on the front drive shafts. The rear is non-driven on these models, so there are no rear CV joints. Very rare market variants elsewhere may differ, but they’re uncommon locally.

What are the common signs a Primera CV joint or boot is failing?

Clicking or clacking when turning, vibration on acceleration, grease sprayed around the inner wheel or chassis, and torn or perished rubber boots. If a boot is split, act quickly—clean, re-grease, and reboot before the joint wears out.

Can the boot be replaced on its own, or is a full shaft better?

If the joint is still quiet and not loose, a quality boot kit and fresh CV grease is a solid fix. If there’s noise, blueing, rust, or pitting, a new outer joint or a complete shaft assembly is the better call and often saves labour time.