Parts for your 1997 Daihatsu Terios-Cv joint

1997 Daihatsu Terios CV Joint — purpose, service, and replacement

Based on technical sources — notably the Daihatsu J100 Series Workshop Manual (Drivetrain/Front Axle section) and the Daihatsu Electronic Parts Catalogue for J100/J102 models — the 1997 Daihatsu Terios fitted for Australia and New Zealand uses constant-velocity (CV) joints on the front drive shafts. These documents list complete front drive shaft assemblies with inboard (tripod-type) and outboard (Rzeppa-type) CV joints. Rear drive is via a live axle and prop shaft with universal joints, not CVs. Note: some export 2WD Terios variants are rear-wheel drive only and don’t have front drive CV joints, that exception aside, the CV joint is relevant for the 1997 Terios sold locally.

On a 1997 Terios, the CV joints let the front wheels steer and move up and down over bumps while still putting power to the road. The outboard CV joint does the hard work at big steering angles, the inboard joint compensates for plunge and suspension travel. When they’re healthy and packed with the right moly grease behind intact boots, they’re quiet, smooth, and drama-free.

Service-wise, it pays to give the CV boots a proper look at every service or tyre rotation. A split boot flings grease and quickly turns into a clicking joint on turns, vibration under load, or a shudder on take-off. If a boot is torn but the joint hasn’t started clicking, a boot-and-grease refresh can save the day. Once it clicks, plan on replacing the joint or the complete shaft.

• Tell-tale signs: grease sprayed around the inner wheel/strut, clicking while cornering, vibration on acceleration, a rhythmic knock that changes with speed.
• Best practice: use the specified high-moly CV grease and quality stainless “ear” clamps, avoid generic hose clamps.
• Replacement tips: many workshops fit complete shaft assemblies for reliability and time. Always torque the axle nut to factory spec, re-stake or replace it as required, and fit a new split pin where applicable.
• After the job: recheck hub play, road-test for noise at full lock, and inspect for any sling of fresh grease. A wheel alignment check is a smart add-on if components were disturbed.

If one front CV has failed, the other side’s usually not far behind — a quick inspection and proactive boot replacement can save a second visit. For Terios that see gravel roads and creek crossings, shorten inspection intervals, grit and water are the enemies of CV grease.

FAQs

Does a 1997 Daihatsu Terios have CV joints?
Yes — the AU/NZ-spec 1997 Terios uses front CV joints as part of its 4WD driveline. Factory workshop and parts documentation list front drive shafts with inboard and outboard CV joints. Only certain export 2WD (rear-drive) versions miss out on front CVs.

What are the common signs a Terios CV joint or boot needs attention?
Grease splatter inside the wheel or on the strut, a clicking noise on full lock, vibration under throttle, or a rhythmic knock that changes with speed. A torn boot caught early can be rebooted, persistent clicking usually means the joint is worn and needs replacing.

Should the boot be replaced or the whole shaft?
If the joint is quiet and play-free, a quality boot kit with fresh moly grease is fine. If there’s clicking, rust-stained grease, or noticeable play, a complete shaft often proves the better value — it’s quicker to fit and restores both joints in one hit.