Parts for your 2008 Nissan Primera-Oil seals

2008 Nissan Primera oil seals — what they do and when to sort them

Oil seals are absolutely fitted to the 2008 Nissan Primera. Technical references including the Nissan Primera P12 factory service manual (Engine, CL/Driveline, and CVT/MT sections) and Nissan FAST parts catalogues list multiple seals across the engine and transaxle. Whether it’s a QG18DE or QR20DE petrol, or the YD22 diesel, this model relies on oil seals to keep lubricants in and dust and grit out.

These little rings of rubber and PTFE/Viton sit around spinning shafts and housings to prevent leaks. Up front there’s a crankshaft front seal behind the crank pulley, at the back, a rear main seal between engine and gearbox. Camshaft oil seals manage the top-end, while the transaxle uses driveshaft/output shaft seals. CVT-equipped cars (Jatco RE0F06A using Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2) and manual gearboxes both employ axle and selector shaft seals as part of their design, as shown in the service manual’s lubrication and drivetrain diagrams.

Typical signs they’re tired include oil spots under the car, a wet or weeping area around the crank pulley or bellhousing, and misted oil on the subframe. CVT output seal leaks often show as amber/reddish fluid around the diff housings, sometimes with a sweet, oily odour.

• Common Primera oil seals: front and rear crankshaft seals, camshaft seals, oil pump/front cover seal, transaxle output/drive shaft seals, selector shaft seal.
• Good practice: inspect at each service (every 10,000–15,000 km), especially around the timing cover, sump perimeter and driveshaft stubs.

Replacement guidance mirrors the manual: rear main seals need gearbox removal, so they’re ideal to do with a clutch or CVT service. Front crank and cam seals are tackled during timing cover work. Driveshaft seals require removing the shafts and carefully pressing in new seals square to the bore. Always clean mating surfaces, lightly oil the new seal lip, and use a proper driver. Stick with quality OEM or reputable aftermarket Viton seals.

1. Keep engine oil and CVT/gear oil at the correct level—overfilling can force seals to leak.
2. Check the PCV system so excess crankcase pressure doesn’t push oil past seals.
3. After replacement, verify for seepage after a few heat cycles.

Look after the oil seals on a 2008 Primera and it’ll stay tidy under the bonnet, protect expensive components, and sail through roadworthy checks without a drip in sight.

FAQs

How can someone spot a leaking oil seal on a 2008 Nissan Primera?
They should look for fresh oil on the driveway, damp or shiny areas around the crank pulley, timing cover, or where the gearbox meets the engine. For CVT cars, check for amber fluid around the driveshaft stubs and lower transaxle case. A quick wipe and recheck after a drive can confirm an active leak.

What fluid should be used after replacing CVT output shaft seals?
For the P12 Primera’s Jatco CVT (RE0F06A), use Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2. Topping up with the correct specification and setting the level at the proper temperature range is important—follow the service manual’s CVT fluid level procedure to the letter.

How long do oil seals typically last on a Primera?
With regular servicing and correct fluids, many seals go well past 150,000 km. Age, heat, and crankcase pressure are the big factors. If the timing cover is off, or the gearbox is out for a clutch or CVT work, it’s smart preventative maintenance to refresh the accessible seals then.