Parts for your 1987 Suzuki Swift-Universal joints

1987 Suzuki Swift universal-joints — are they even a thing?

Short answer: for Australian and New Zealand–spec 1987 Suzuki Swift models, universal joints on the driveline aren’t used or required. Technical references such as the Suzuki factory service literature for the EA/SA-series Cultus/Swift (1983–1988), common aftermarket repair manuals covering first‑gen Swift/Cultus, and Suzuki’s electronic parts catalog for the period all show a front‑wheel‑drive layout with driveshafts using constant velocity (CV) joints, and no propeller shaft with universal joints. Some niche Japan‑market 4WD variants existed in the wider Cultus family, but the 1987 Swift sold locally was FWD only, so a conventional tailshaft U‑joint simply isn’t part of the package.

Why no universal joints? In a transverse FWD hatch like the ’87 Swift, torque is sent directly to the front wheels via short driveshafts. Those shafts need to articulate through big steering and suspension angles while keeping a constant rotational speed. That’s what CV joints do brilliantly. A traditional cross‑type universal joint introduces speed fluctuation at higher angles, which would cause vibration and torque ripple you’d feel through the steering wheel — not ideal for a light FWD runabout. There’s also no rear differential or prop shaft on the FWD Swift, so there’s nowhere for a tailshaft U‑joint to live. The rear end is a simple torsion beam, so the whole car stays compact, light, and efficient.

What should owners look after instead? Focus on the CV joints and their rubber boots. Keeping those boots intact and the grease clean is the main game for a quiet, vibration‑free Swift. It’s also worth noting there is typically a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft on many cars of this era, it’s not the driveline U‑joint people usually mean, but if there’s play or a clonk in the column, that coupler is worth a check.

• Inspect CV boots every service for splits, grease sling, or cracking.
• Clicking on full lock usually points to a worn outer CV joint, a shudder under acceleration can suggest an inner CV issue.
• If there’s a clunk through the wheel over bumps, have the steering intermediate shaft joint checked for wear or corrosion.

Popular questions about 1987 Suzuki Swift universal-joints

Does a 1987 Suzuki Swift have universal joints in the driveline?
No — not on the typical AU/NZ FWD models. They use CV joints on the front driveshafts and have no tailshaft. Only certain overseas 4WD derivatives of the broader Cultus family used prop shafts with U‑joints, and those were not the common 1987 Swift sold locally.

What’s the difference between universal joints and CV joints on a Swift?
Universal joints are simple cross‑type couplings suited to near‑straight runs like a rear‑wheel‑drive tailshaft. CV joints maintain constant rotational speed at larger angles, which is essential for front‑wheel‑drive cars that steer and move through suspension travel. That’s why the Swift uses CV joints up front instead of U‑joints.

What should be serviced if the Swift doesn’t use driveline U‑joints?
Prioritise the CV boots and joints. Replace any split boots promptly and listen for clicking on turns or shudder under load. While you’re there, check wheel bearings, lower control arm bushes, and the steering intermediate shaft joint for play — all common wear points on older FWD hatches.