Parts for your 2008 Nissan Primera-Driveshafts

2008 Nissan Primera driveshafts: what they do and how to look after them

Yes, driveshafts are absolutely used on the 2008 Nissan Primera. Factory technical references for the P12-series Primera – including the Nissan service manual (Front Drive Shaft/Front Axle sections) and the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue – list left and right front drive shaft assemblies with inner tripod joints and outer Rzeppa CV joints for all front‑wheel‑drive variants. Those sources also show no longitudinal propeller shaft on standard FWD models, which matches how most NZ and Australian‑delivered Primeras were built.

On this car, the driveshafts (often called CV shafts or halfshafts) transfer engine torque from the transaxle to the front wheels while allowing for steering angle and suspension travel. Each shaft has two constant‑velocity (CV) joints packed with grease and sealed by flexible rubber boots. When everything’s healthy, the car pulls smoothly, corners cleanly and doesn’t fling grease everywhere.

As part of routine servicing on a 2008 Nissan Primera, it’s smart to give the driveshafts a quick check. Look for split or perished CV boots, damp or slung grease near the inner guards, and any play at the joints. Catching a torn boot early and rebooting with the correct moly grease can save the joint itself.

Common signs it’s time to act include:

• Clicking or clacking on full lock (usually the outer CV joint)
• Shudder or vibration under load/acceleration (may indicate inner CV wear)
• Grease spray around the wheel or subframe, or visible boot damage
• Knocking over bumps if the joint has developed excessive play

Replacement tips for this model: use quality shafts or OE‑spec joints