Parts for your 2008 Nissan Primera-Strut mounts

2008 Nissan Primera strut mounts — what they do and when to replace

Technical sources confirm that strut mounts are fitted to the front of the 2008-registered Nissan Primera (P12 series). The Nissan Factory Service Manual for the P12 (Front Suspension section) specifies a front MacPherson strut design, which inherently uses a top strut mount with an integrated bearing. Aftermarket application catalogues from major suspension suppliers (e.g., KYB and Monroe) also list front strut top mounts for the Primera P12 (2002–2007 production, many were first registered in 2008). The rear suspension is a multi-link layout with separate shock absorbers and springs, so there’s no rear strut mount on these cars.

On a P12 Primera, the strut mount sits at the top of the front strut, bolting the assembly to the body while isolating road harshness. It’s a clever bit of kit: the rubber insulator keeps vibrations and noise out of the cabin, and the built-in bearing lets the strut turn smoothly as the wheels steer. When that bearing gets notchy or the rubber perishes, the car can feel rough, steer less precisely, and make the sort of knocks that are hard to ignore.

Typical signs that the front strut mounts are past their best include:

• Clunks or creaks over speed bumps and driveway lips
• Notchy or heavy steering, especially at parking speeds
• Uneven tyre wear or vague turn-in
• A “spring bind” sound as the wheel is turned lock-to-lock

Replacement is straightforward for a workshop with a spring compressor, and it’s smart to do both sides together. Choose quality OE-equivalent mounts that include the bearing, and have the mechanic inspect the coil springs, upper spring seats, dust boots and bump stops while everything’s out. Correct bearing orientation matters, as does torquing the hardware to spec from the Nissan manual. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards to keep tyre wear tidy and steering true. As part of routine servicing, a quick visual check at every service and a hands-on inspection every 40,000–60,000 km is sensible, in Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many mounts last 100,000–150,000 km, but rough roads can bring that forward.

Look after the strut mounts and the Primera keeps its calm, composed ride and neat steering feel — exactly what owners expect from a well-sorted mid-sizer.

FAQs

Does a 2008 Nissan Primera have strut mounts?
Yes — at the front. The P12 uses a front MacPherson strut (which requires a top mount with a bearing) and a rear multi-link setup without a rear strut mount.

When should Primera strut mounts be replaced?
Inspect every 40,000–60,000 km and expect replacement somewhere around 100,000–150,000 km, sooner if there are knocks, steering notchiness, or uneven tyre wear.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing strut mounts?
Recommended. Any time the strut assembly is disturbed, an alignment helps restore correct geometry and protects tyre life.