Owners Nissan Primera P12 Over time, they encounter a characteristic suspension problem that cannot be ignored. When turning the steering wheel at low speeds, a distinct crunching sound is heard from under the front wheel, indicating wear. external constant velocity joint. This part transmits torque from the gearbox to the wheel, operating under extreme conditions of constant angular displacement.
Ignoring signs of malfunction can lead to complete destruction of the unit while driving, which can lead to loss of control and serious accidents. On Nissan Primera P12 The suspension design is quite reliable, but the service life grenades (colloquially) limited by the mileage or quality of service of the anthers. Timely diagnostics and replacement save significant money compared to repairs after an emergency failure.
The replacement process requires a certain set of tools and knowledge of the drive shaft design. You have to remove the wheel, unscrew the hub nut, remove the levers and remove the shaft from the gearbox. It is important to understand that gearbox seal often requires replacement when removing the drive to avoid transmission oil leakage.
Drive wear symptoms and diagnostics
Paying close attention to the sounds and sensations of the car helps identify the problem at an early stage. The most obvious sign is a rhythmic click or crunch when the steering wheel is turned all the way and when coasting or turning. If the sound only appears when moving forward, it means it is worn out. external CV joint. When reversing, a crunching noise may indicate problems with the inner joint, although Primera P12 More often than not, it is the external node that fails.
The second important indicator is vibration transmitted to the steering wheel or body floor during acceleration. Unlike wheel imbalance, which occurs at high speeds, vibration from worn drive is felt when starting from a standstill or sharp acceleration. If you feel the gas pedal or steering wheel beating when starting to move, you should immediately check the condition of the joints.
A visual inspection also provides a lot of information. Open the hood and check the condition of the rubber anthers on both wheels. A torn cover is a guarantee of quick failure of the unit, since dirt and moisture gets inside, and the lubricant is washed out. Even if there is no crunch yet, but the boot is torn, you need to urgently change it along with lubricantto extend the life of the part.
Sometimes the problem is disguised as a wheel bearing failure. To tell them apart, try spinning the wheel with the car raised. If you hear a hum that depends on the speed, and not on the rotation of the steering wheel, it is a bearing. The CV joint makes itself felt precisely when the angle of rotation of the wheels relative to the axis of the car changes.
Selection of quality spare parts and consumables
Spare parts market for Nissan Primera P12 is oversaturated with proposals, and the choice between the original and the analogue often becomes a dilemma. Original drive shaft from Nissan has perfect balance and durability, but can be overpriced. Many owners successfully use high-quality analogues from trusted brands that offer the best value for money.
Among the popular manufacturers it is worth highlighting GKN (Spidan), NTN and Febi. These companies supply parts to the assembly lines of automakers, so their products have a high service life. Cheap Chinese analogues, as a rule, do not withstand even 10-15 thousand kilometers, requiring repeated repairs. Saving on spare parts here often leads to higher costs for future work.
- π§ Choose a set with a new one oil seal and retaining rings.
- π Avoid buying a CV joint without a protective boot or with low-quality tires.
- π¦ Check for the presence of specialized lubricant in the kit (usually it is black).
It is also important to pay attention to the condition of the shaft itself. If there is deep corrosion damage or rust marks that cannot be removed, it is better to replace the entire drive assembly. Installing a new CV joint on a rotten shaft does not make sense, since corrosion can damage the gearbox seal and cause an oil leak.
β οΈ Attention: When purchasing a kit, be sure to check the length of the drive. On Nissan Primera P12 There are modifications with different drives (for front-wheel drive versions and 4WD all-wheel drive), and they are not interchangeable.
- Original Nissan
- GKN/Spidan
- NTN
- Other brand
Necessary tools and preparatory work
Before starting work, make sure that you have the necessary set of tools and a lift or inspection pit. A standard garage wrench set may not fit as the hub nut is on Nissan often tightened with a high tightening torque. You will need a wheel wrench, a wrench, and preferably a torque wrench for final tightening.
To remove the drive, you will need a ball joint remover or pry bar. You also cannot do without a set of heads: 17, 19, 22, 24 and 32 mm. Pay special attention to the 32 mm socket (or 30 mm, depending on the year of manufacture), which is necessary to unscrew the hub nut. If you don't have a drive puller, you can use a wooden spacer and a hammer, but you need to be careful.
- π¨ A powerful wrench or ratchet with an extension for the hub nut.
- π© Ball joint remover or mounting blade.
- π’ Container for draining transmission oil (if you are removing the drive).
- 𧀠Gloves and eye protection from dirt.
Raise the car on a lift or place it on stands. Remove the front wheel and unscrew the hub nut. Before doing this, be sure to loosen it while the car is on the ground, otherwise it may spin along with the wheel. Be sure to block the wheels on the opposite side to prevent the car from rolling.
βοΈ Preparation for replacement
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling and installation
We begin the process by disconnecting the suspension elements that interfere with the removal of the drive. First you need to remove the brake caliper and move it to the side, securing it with wire so as not to damage the brake hose. Then unscrew the mounting bolts brake disc and remove it. This will give access to the hub nut, which must be completely unscrewed and removed.
Next, disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. If you have a puller, use it to press out the ball pin. Otherwise, you can carefully pry the lever with a pry bar to loosen the fit. After this, disconnect the steering tip from the steering knuckle by unscrewing the nut and knocking out the pin with a hammer on the end of the lever.
Now the steering knuckle can be moved to the side, releasing the outer CV joint. The next step is to remove the inner CV joint from the transmission. Insert the pry bar into the groove between the gearbox and the drive and carefully pry off the shaft. You will hear a distinctive click as the locking ring disengages. Gearbox must be securely fastened so as not to damage the seal.
Installation of a new unit is carried out in the reverse order. Before inserting the drive into the gearbox, apply a little lubricant to the splines and check the condition of the seal. Make sure the retaining ring on the inner CV joint is in place. Insert the shaft all the way and check its fixation by pulling it with your hands - it should not fly out.
What to do if the drive does not fit into the gearbox?
Often the problem is a misaligned retaining ring or a worn oil seal. Try rocking the shaft a little while pushing it inward. Do not hit the end of the shaft with a hammer to avoid damaging the splines!
Reassemble the suspension in the reverse order: put on the ball joint, tighten the nut, connect the steering end. Install the brake disc and caliper. Be sure to tighten the hub nut to the correct torque. For Nissan Primera P12 The recommended tightening torque is approx. 196 Nm (or 20 kgf m). Use a torque wrench to avoid wheel bearing misalignment.
Proper wheel nut torque is critical to wheel bearing longevity and driving safety.
The nuances of replacing the oil seal and transmission oil
When removing the drive shaft from the gearbox, the tightness of the oil seal is inevitably broken. Often the old oil seal is damaged during dismantling, so it is strongly recommended to replace it with a new one. This will prevent transmission oil leakage, which can lead to a decrease in the level of lubricant in the gearbox and its premature failure.
Before installing a new oil seal, clean the seat of dirt and old grease. The new oil seal must be pressed in evenly, using a mandrel of a suitable diameter, so as not to damage the edge. Make sure the oil seal is flush with the gearbox housing. Don't forget to also check the oil level in the gearbox and, if necessary, top it up to normal.
During the process of removing the drive, some of the oil may leak out and the level will become lower than required. Use only oil recommended by the manufacturer, usually Nissan Matic S or an analogue with viscosity 75W-90 for mechanical boxes.
β οΈ Attention: If you did not change the oil seal, and it began to leak a week after the repair, you will have to disassemble the suspension again. These are unnecessary costs for labor and spare parts that can be avoided with a quality installation.
| Part name | Original (Nissan) | Analogue (GKN/NTN) | Approximate price (RUB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive assembly (external) | 40206-AX000 | CV-102 | 8 000 - 12 000 |
| Gearbox seal | 31320-AX000 | 31320-AX000 | 800 - 1 500 |
| Hub nut | 40222-AX000 | 40222-AX000 | 400 - 600 |
| Grease for CV joints | 99995-00001 | Molykote | 300 - 500 |
Post-repair inspection and test drive
After completion of all work, a thorough inspection must be carried out. Make sure all bolts and nuts are tightened to the correct torque. Inspect the boots of the new CV joint - they should not be displaced or twisted. Check the oil level in the gearbox, as it may have leaked when replacing the oil seal.
The first departure must be careful. Listen for any unusual sounds when accelerating and turning. If the crunching or vibration disappears, it means the job was done efficiently. However, you should not immediately accelerate to high speeds; let the new parts get used to it a little.
After 500-1000 km, it is recommended to re-inspect the suspension. Check the tightness of the hub nut and the condition of the boots. This will allow you to identify possible problems in a timely manner if they arise due to a manufacturing defect or installation error.
After replacing the CV joint, be sure to do a wheel alignment. Removing the control arms and steering knuckle may disrupt the wheel alignment, causing uneven tire wear and causing the vehicle to pull to one side.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to replace only the outer CV joint without removing the drive?
Theoretically, this is possible if you use special tools to press the boot and CV joint in place, but in practice this is very inconvenient and often leads to damage to the gearbox seal. It is better to remove the entire drive and replace the CV joint on a workbench.
How long does it take to replace a CV joint on a Nissan Primera P12?
For an experienced master, replacing one CV joint takes about 1-1.5 hours. If you are doing this for the first time and also changing the oil seal, allow about 2-3 hours for the work.
Do I need to replace both CV joints at once?
No, if the second drive is in good condition and has no signs of wear (crunching, vibration), it does not need to be replaced. However, if the mileage is high, it is often more profitable to replace both at once, so as not to return to this issue after a couple of thousand kilometers.
What is the tightening torque for the hub nut?
For Nissan Primera P12 The tightening torque for the hub nut is 196 Nm (20 kgf m). Be sure to use a torque wrench.
What to do if the hub nut does not unscrew?
Use wrench extensions and, if necessary, a special nut puller. Treating the threads with penetrating lubricant (WD-40) and gently striking the end of the nut through the spacer often helps.