Nissan Primera is a legendary sedan that is still in demand due to its reliability and unpretentiousness. However, even such machines have weak points, and one of them is internal CV joint (constant velocity joint). This part experiences enormous loads, especially on cars with a mileage of 150,000 km, and its wear can lead to serious problems with the transmission.
Unlike the external CV joint, which more often fails due to damage to the boot, internal hinge breaks down gradually, and its malfunction is not always obvious. In this article, we'll look at how to recognize signs of wear, what tools you'll need for replacement, and why saving on the quality of spare parts can be detrimental. damage to the gearbox or axle shafts. We will also consider the nuances for different generations Primera (P11, P12) and give recommendations on choosing CV joint manufacturers.
What is an internal CV joint and how does it work? Nissan Primera
Inner CV joint (or tripod) is a mechanism that transmits torque from the gearbox to the axle shaft with the ability to change the angle. B Primera it is located on the gearbox side and compensates for engine and suspension movements that occur when driving. Unlike the external CV joint, the internal one operates in more gentle conditions (protected from dirt and moisture), but experiences axial loads during acceleration and braking.
Structurally, internal CV joint Nissan represents:
- 🔧 Housing with grooves for rollers (made of high-strength steel).
- 🌀 Tripod — a three-beam fork with rollers that rotates inside the body.
- 🛡️ Boot (corrugation) - protects against dirt, but often breaks due to aging rubber.
- 🔄 Retaining ring — fixes the CV joint on the axle shaft.
On Primera P11 (1996–2002) and P12 (2002–2008) CV joints with different catalog numbers are used, but the operating principle is the same. The main difference is the diameter of the seat on the axle shaft and the length of the spline connection. For example, for Primera P12 1.6/1.8/2.0 With a manual transmission, the internal CV joint with art. 39310-4M000, and for P11 — 39310-60X00 (where X is the modification depending on the year of manufacture).
⚠️ Attention: On cars with automatic transmission, the internal CV joints have a different design and are not interchangeable with manual transmissions! Installing the wrong part will result in vibration and rapid wear.
Signs of a faulty internal CV joint: how not to confuse it with other breakdowns
Symptoms of wear on the inner CV joint Nissan Primera often disguised as problems with the suspension or gearbox. Here are the key signs to look out for:
1. Crunching sound when moving in a straight line - the most obvious symptom. Unlike the outer CV joint, which crunches when turning, the inner one makes a sound when:
- 🚗 Sharp acceleration (especially in low gears).
- 🛣️ Driving over uneven surfaces (potholes, rails) at a speed of 40–60 km/h.
- 🔄 Shifting gears under load.
2. Vibration on the body - felt through the steering wheel or seat when accelerating. It is often confused with wheel imbalance, but vibration from the CV joint appears only under load (for example, when overtaking).
3. Play in the transmission — if, when starting from a stop, you feel a “failure” of the clutch pedal or jerking, this may indicate wear of the splined connection of the CV joint with the axle shaft.
4. Leaking grease from the boot - if the corrugation is torn, dirt gets inside and the CV joint wears out 3-5 times faster. On Primera The boots of internal CV joints tear less often than external ones, but their condition needs to be checked every 30,000 km.
| Symptom | Probable Cause | How to distinguish it from other breakdowns |
|---|---|---|
| Crunching noise when accelerating | Worn CV joint rollers or grooves | The sound comes from the front and gets louder when under load. The outer CV joint only crunches when cornering. |
| Vibration at speeds of 80+ km/h | Imbalance of CV joint or axle shaft | The vibration disappears when the gas is released. Wheel imbalance does not depend on load. |
| Jerks when starting off | Play in the spline connection | Checked by rocking the axle shaft by hand (with the wheel removed). |
| Creaking sound when turning the steering wheel | Malfunction of outer CV joint or strut | The inner CV joint does not creak - it only crunches or vibrates. |
- Every 10,000 km
- Only when symptoms appear
- Never checked
- I replace it according to the regulations (every 100,000 km)
Diagnostics of the internal CV joint: step-by-step instructions
To accurately determine that the problem is in the inner CV joint, and not in the suspension or transmission, follow these steps:
1. Visual inspection of the boot
- 🔍 Raise the car on a lift or jack (be sure to secure it!)
- 🔦 Check the integrity of the inner CV joint corrugation (it is located closer to the gearbox).
- 🛢️ If there are cracks or traces of grease on the boot, the CV joint is already damaged.
2. Checking the play
- 🔧 Grasp the axle shaft on the side of the wheel with your hand and swing it up and down.
- 📏 Play of more than 1-2 mm indicates wear of the spline joint or CV joint bearing.
3. Crunch test
- 🚗 Start the car and drive away slowly.
- 🔊 Listen to the sounds from the gearbox - a crunch during acceleration will confirm the malfunction.
- 🔄 Repeat the test on the rise (increased load will increase symptoms).
Inspect the boot for cracks|Rotate the axle shaft to check for play|Test the crunching noise during acceleration|Compare the sounds on a straight line and when cornering|Check the transmission oil level (low levels can mimic symptoms)-->
⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Primera P12 with enginesQR20DEAndQR25DEInner CV joints are more likely to fail due to increased torque. If you ignore the crunch, the rollers can crumble and block the axle shaft!
Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues for Primera
When replacing the inner CV joint with Nissan Primera The main thing is not to make a mistake with the catalog number and manufacturer. Original parts from Nissan (art. 39310-4M000 for P12) are expensive (from 8,000 rubles), but guarantee a resource of 100,000+ km. However, there are worthy analogues:
| Manufacturer | Catalog number | Price (RUB) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (original) | 39310-4M000 |
8 000–12 000 | Maximum life, perfect fit |
| GKN (Lobro) | ADG02433 |
4 500–6 000 | Quality close to the original, popular in Europe |
| SKF | VKJA 7703 |
5 000–7 000 | Reinforced rollers, suitable for tuned engines |
| Febi | 28200 |
3 500–5 000 | Budget option, resource ~60,000 km |
| Sasic | 2005-0043 |
2 500–3 500 | Low quality, temporary replacement only |
When purchasing a CV joint, be sure to check the package contents! The box should contain: the CV joint itself, a retaining ring, lubricant (usually Molykote BR2 Plus) and a new boot. If you don’t have something, ask the seller or buy it separately.
Which is better to choose?
- 💰 Budget up to 4,000 rubles. — Febi or Sasic, but be prepared to replace it after 30–50,000 km.
- 🔧 Optimal price/quality ratio — GKN or SKF (resource 80,000+ km).
- 🏆 Maximum reliability - original Nissan or NTN-SNR (art.
JHM501030).
How to distinguish a fake from an original CV joint?
Fake CV joints often have:
- Uneven welds on the body.
- Dull metal (original - matte with logo).
- Plastic retaining rings (must be metal).
- Lack of markings on the boot.
Always check the packaging: on the original box Nissan There is a hologram and a serial number.
Step-by-step replacement of the inner CV joint with Nissan Primera P11/P12
Replacing the inner CV joint is a labor-intensive process that requires removing the axle shaft. If you do not have experience, it is better to contact the service (the cost of the work is 3,000–5,000 rubles). But if you have tools and a viewing hole, you can handle it yourself. You will need:
- 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (10–19 mm).
- 🔨 Hammer and wooden spacer.
- 🔩 Remover of retaining rings and axle shafts.
- 🧴 Lubrication
Molykote BR2 Plus(or equivalent). - 🛠️ Jack and stops.
Work order:
- Removing the wheel and disconnecting the axle shaft:
Raise the car, remove the wheel and unscrew the hub nut (it will take some force - use a lever!). Then disconnect the ball joint and steering end, and remove the axle shaft from the hub.
- Removing the inner CV joint:
Remove the retaining ring from the axle shaft (use a puller or pliers). Gently tap the CV joint with a hammer through the wooden spacer. Be careful not to damage the splines!
- Installing a new CV joint:
Apply lubricant to the splines and rollers, and put on a new boot. Install the CV joint onto the axle shaft until the retaining ring clicks. Check that the boot is not twisted.
- Assembly:
Insert the axle shaft back into the transmission (light tapping may be required). Reassemble the suspension in the reverse order, tighten the hub nut with a force of 200–220 Nm.
The most common mistake when replacing is incorrect installation of the retaining ring. If it does not latch, the CV joint will fly off the axle shaft while driving, which will lead to an accident! Always check the fit after assembly.
⚠️ Attention: On Primera P12 With an automatic transmission, before removing the axle shaft, it is necessary to drain some of the oil from the box (about 1 liter), otherwise, when removing the CV joint, the oil will flow out. After changing, add fresh oil Nissan Matic-S.
How much does it cost to replace an internal CV joint at a service center?
The replacement price depends on the region and complexity of the work. The average cost in Russia looks like this:
| Type of work | Cost (RUB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing one inner CV joint | 3 000–5 000 | Excluding spare parts. An automatic transmission is 1,000–1,500 rubles more expensive. |
| Replacing the boot | 1 500–2 500 | It is often suggested to replace it together with the CV joint. |
| Transmission diagnostics | 1 000–1 500 | Includes play check and test drive. |
| Removal/installation of axle shaft (integrated) | 4 000–6 000 | Relevant when replacing both CV joints (internal and external). |
If you change both inner CV joints (for example, with a mileage of 200,000+ km), the total cost with spare parts will be:
- 🔧 Budget option (Febi + work) - 12,000–15,000 rubles.
- 🔧 Optimal (GKN + work) - RUB 18,000–22,000.
- 🔧 Premium (original + work) - 25,000–30,000 rubles.
Some services offer “free diagnostics” if the repair is carried out by them. Do not agree if you are not sure of the qualifications of the craftsmen - often such “diagnostics” end in the imposition of unnecessary work (for example, replacing gearbox seals).
Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that reduce the life of a new CV joint or lead to breakdowns. Here are the most common:
1. Using the wrong lubricant
- ❌ Error: Lithium or graphite based grease (e.g.
Litol-24). - ✅ Solution: Use only
Molykote BR2 Plusor analogues (SKF LGWA 2).
2. Damage to the boot during installation
- ❌ Error: Twisting the corrugation or clamping it with clamps without sealant.
- ✅ Solution: Before installing the boot, apply a soap solution to it - this will make it easier to put on without damage.
3. Improper tightening of the hub nut
- ❌ Error: Tightening by eye or without a torque wrench.
- ✅ Solution: Tightening torque for Primera —
200–220 Nm. After 100 km, check the tightening again!
4. Ignoring the checkpoint check
- ❌ Error: Do not check the oil level in the box after replacement.
- ✅ Solution: For a manual transmission, add oil to the level (if it leaked out when removing the axle shaft). Check the color of the oil in the automatic transmission - if it is dark, a complete replacement is recommended.
- Wheel imbalance (needs balancing).
- Worn wheel bearing (checked by rocking the wheel).
- Damage to the splines on the axle shaft (replacement of the axle shaft is required).-->
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the inner CV joint Nissan Primera
Is it possible to drive with a crisp inner CV joint?
Short-term (1-2 weeks) - yes, but not worth the risk. If the rollers crumble, the fragments can damage the gearbox differential, and its repair will cost 30,000+ rubles. At the first sign of crunching, start preparing for replacement.
Which CV joint breaks more often: internal or external?
On Primera external CV joints fail 2–3 times more often due to damage to the boots. The internal ones last longer, but their wear is more critical - it can block the axle shaft.
Is it possible to replace only the boot without touching the CV joint?
Theoretically, it is possible, but only if the CV joint is not yet crunchy and has no play. However, in practice, after 150,000 km, the boot breaks due to wear of the CV joint, so it is more advisable to change the entire assembly.
How long does the inner CV joint last? Primera?
The resource depends on the operating conditions:
- City mode (frequent acceleration/braking) - 100,000–150,000 km.
- Route (even driving) - up to 200,000 km.
- Aggressive driving or tuned engine - 60,000–80,000 km.
Do I need to replace CV joints in pairs?
Necessary only if both are worn out. On Primera Inner CV joints wear out relatively evenly, but if the mileage is more than 200,000 km, it is recommended to replace both - the second one may fail soon after the first.