How to replace the inner CV joint on a Nissan Primera P12: instructions with nuances

Internal CV joint (constant velocity joint) on Nissan Primera P12 - one of the most loaded elements of the transmission. Its wear is manifested by a characteristic crunch when turning or starting, and ignoring the problem can lead to destruction of the drive and blocking of the wheel while moving. Unlike the external CV joint, the internal one is located closer to the gearbox and requires more labor-intensive dismantling.

This article will help you figure out how to replace the inner CV joint with Primera P12 (including versions with engines QR20DE And QR25DE) without contacting the service. We will take a detailed look at the selection of spare parts, the necessary tools, the step-by-step removal/installation process and typical mistakes that even experienced car owners make. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with drive shaft and fixing the boot - this is where problems most often arise.

Signs of a faulty internal CV joint on a Primera P12

The inner CV joint fails gradually, and its “symptoms” are often confused with suspension or gearbox faults. The main sign is crunching or clicking sounds when driving in a straight line or at small turning angles. Unlike the external CV joint, which crunches at maximum steering rotation, the internal one manifests itself:

• 🔊 Crunch when accelerating (especially on uneven roads) - associated with axial play of the balls.
• 🔄 Vibration at speeds of 40–60 km/h, which disappears when accelerating or braking.
• 🛑 Jerky when starting off - indicates critical wear or damage to the separator.
• 💨 Lubricant leaks on the inside of the wheel or near the gearbox - a sign of a ruptured boot.

On Primera P12 with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, the internal CV joint often “dies” due to wear tripoid bearing (as opposed to external ball). You can check its condition by shaking the drive shaft with your hand along the axis: if a play of more than 0.5 mm is felt, the part must be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: The crunch of the inner CV joint is sometimes disguised as the knock of the support bearing or wear of the silent blocks of the levers. To eliminate the error, before replacing, check the play in the suspension by shaking the wheel in a vertical plane.

Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues for Primera P12

Original inner CV joint for Nissan Primera P12 has an article number 39310-4M000 (for left side) and 39310-4M001 (for the right one). The cost of the original is from 8 to 12 thousand rubles, but there are worthy analogues on the market:

Brand	Article	Price, rub.	Features
GKN (Loebro)	501045	4 500–6 000	High-quality lubrication, reinforced boot
SKF	VKJA 7010	5 000–7 000	Original quality, supplier for Nissan
Febi	24310	3 800–5 000	Budget option, average resource
Sasic	2005-0003	3 200–4 500	Frequent complaints about anthers

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

• 🔧 CV joint type: for Primera P12 needed tripoid (inner) with 21–23 balls.
• 📏 Shaft length: The left and right sides differ by 5–7 mm.
• 🛡️ Boot quality: The original has a reinforced case with two clamps.

⚠️ Attention: Do not buy CV joints without markings or with the inscription “Made in China” without indicating the brand. Such parts are often made of low-quality steel and fail after 10–20 thousand km.

Tools and preparation for replacement

To replace the inner CV joint with Primera P12 you will need:

• 🔧 Special tools:
  • Circlip remover (e.g. KUKKO 21-1).
  • A hammer with a copper head or rubber head.
  • Torque wrench (hub nut tightening torque - 220–250 Nm).
• 🛠️ General Tools:
  • Jack and stops (be sure to secure the car!).
  • Set of heads and socket wrenches (for 17, 19, 22, 30).
  • Pliers for clamps and pliers for retaining rings.
• 🧴 Consumables:
  • Grease for CV joints (for example, Molykote BR2 Plus).
  • New clamps for the boot (preferably screw ones, not spring ones).
  • Degreaser and rags.

Before starting work:

1. Place the car on a level surface and secure the rear wheels.
2. Loosen the hub nut (it is tightened with a large torque!) before the car is lifted.
3. Drain the oil from the gearbox (when replacing the CV joint, some of the oil will flow out through the breather).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the inner CV joint

The process of replacing the inner CV joint with Primera P12 includes 4 key steps: removing the drive shaft, dismantling the old CV joint, installing a new one and assembling. Let's look at each step in detail.

1. Removing the drive shaft

Raise the front of the car and remove the wheel. Then:

1. Unscrew the hub nut (tightening torque - 220 Nm) and remove the thrust washer.
2. Disconnect the steering knuckle from the steering knuckle (use a puller or a hammer with a spacer).
3. Press the ball joint out of the lever (carefully so as not to damage the boot!).
4. Remove the drive shaft from the hub by pulling it towards you. If it becomes sour, use a puller or gently tap it with a hammer through a wooden spacer.

2. Dismantling the inner CV joint

The shaft has been removed - now you need to separate the inner CV joint from the gearbox:

1. Remove the boot clamps and slide the boot along the shaft.
2. Using a puller, remove the retaining ring securing the CV joint to the shaft.
3. Mark the shaft and CV joint (so as not to confuse the orientation during assembly!).
4. Remove the CV joint from the shaft by gently tapping it with a hammer through the copper spacer. Do not hit the shaft directly — this can deform the splines!

If the CV joint is stuck, use a special puller or heat it with a hair dryer (up to 80–100°C). This will help prevent damage to the spline joint.

3. Installation of a new CV joint

Before installing a new CV joint:

• Clean the shaft of old grease and dirt.
• Check the condition of the splines - they should be free of scoring and corrosion.
• Apply fresh lubricant to the shaft splines and the inside of the new CV joint.

Installation is performed in reverse order:

1. Place the new boot on the shaft and secure it with a clamp.
2. Install the CV joint onto the shaft until the retaining ring clicks.
3. Secure the boot to the CV joint housing with a second clamp.
4. Check the tightness - the boot should not rotate or have folds.

4. Assembly and testing

After installing the CV joint:

1. Insert the shaft into the gearbox until it stops (the latch should click).
2. Install the drive into the hub and tighten the hub nut with a torque wrench.
3. Reassemble the pendant in reverse order.
4. Add oil to the gearbox to the level (through the breather).

After assembly, be sure to check:

• 🔄 No play in the drive (shake the shaft with your hand).
• 🚗 No crunching when driving in a straight line and when turning.
• 💧 No grease leaks from under the boot.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when replacing the inner CV joint with Primera P12. Here are the most common:

1. Damage to boot during installation. Use plastic spatulas, not screwdrivers. Clamps must be tightened without distortions.
2. Incorrect CV joint orientation. There are marks on the shaft and body of the CV joint - if they are not aligned, vibration will appear when driving.
3. Retightening the hub nut. Tightening torque - 220–250 Nm. Exceeding will lead to bearing wear.
4. Ignoring the retaining ring. If the ring is not in place, the CV joint may come off the shaft while driving.

Another common problem is dirt getting into the gearbox when removing the shaft. To avoid this, seal the hole in the box with tape or a clean rag.

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the CV joint, noise appears when moving in reverse, most likely you installed a CV joint with worn rollers or did not secure the circlip correctly. In this case, re-disassembly is required!

What to do if the CV joint is not removed from the shaft?

If the CV joint is stuck to the shaft, do not try to knock it off with a hammer - this will damage the splines. Instead:

1. Heat the CV joint housing with a hair dryer (up to 100°C).

2. Apply penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the gap between the shaft and CV joint.

3. Use a three-jaw puller, applying even pressure to the part.

4. If all else fails, carefully cut the CV joint housing with a grinder (only if the part is to be recycled!).

Cost of work in the service vs independent replacement

The price of replacing the inner CV joint with Nissan Primera P12 in service depends on the region and level of the service station:

Service type	Cost of work, rub.	Lead time
Official dealer	8 000–12 000	3–4 hours
Independent service	4 000–7 000	2–3 hours
Garage craftsmen	2 500–4 000	1.5–2 hours
On your own	0 (spare parts only)	4–6 hours

Self-replacement allows you to save up to 10 thousand rubles, but requires:

• 🔧 Availability of specialized tools (circlip remover, torque wrench).
• 📚 Experience with suspension (for example, removing a ball joint).
• 🕒 Time and patience (the first replacement can take up to 6 hours).

If you have never worked with drive shafts, it is better to entrust the replacement to professionals. Errors when installing the CV joint can lead to destruction of the checkpoint or wheel lock on the go.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive with a crisp inner CV joint?

Short-term - possible, but risky. A crunching noise indicates wear on the balls or rollers, which can lead to CV joint jamming and loss of control. On Primera P12 with a mileage of more than 200 thousand km, the internal CV joint is often destroyed “to smithereens”, damaging the gearbox. The maximum “lifespan” after the appearance of a crunch is 1–2 thousand km.

Is it necessary to change the gearbox oil after replacing the CV joint?

Yes, definitely. When removing the drive shaft, some of the oil leaks out through the breather, and dirt can get into the gearbox. Recommended volume for Primera P12 — 2.8–3.0 l oils Nissan Matic S or analogue (for example, Motul Multi ATF).

How to distinguish a faulty internal CV joint from an external one?

The inner CV joint crunches when moving in a straight line or small angles of rotation, as well as at moving away. External - only when maximum steering eversion (for example, in a parking lot). Another test: rock the shaft along the axis - play of more than 0.5 mm indicates wear of the inner CV joint.

Is it possible to restore the internal CV joint (for example, rebuild it)? summary>

Theoretically, yes, but in practice it is impractical. The cost of a new CV joint (even an analogue) is comparable to the price of a repair kit, and the service life of a restored part rarely exceeds 30–50 thousand km. Exception - collector's items Primera P12, where original spare parts are difficult to find.

What happens if you don’t replace a torn CV boot?

The boot protects the CV joint from dirt and moisture. If it is torn, the lubricant is washed out, and sand and water get inside. This leads to:

• 🔥 Accelerated wear (resource is reduced by 5–10 times).
• 💥 Shaft corrosion and spline connection.
• 🚨 CV joint jamming on the go.

If cracks are found on the boot, it must be replaced immediately, even if the CV joint is not crunching yet.