Parts for your 1997 Ford Falcon-Cv joint

1997 Ford Falcon CV joint — is it even there?

Short answer: a CV joint isn’t a relevant part on the 1997 Ford Falcon (EL series). Factory documentation describes the EL as rear‑wheel drive with a live rear axle and a non‑driven front end, so there are no front driveshafts and no CV joints to service. See Ford EL Falcon Workshop Manual (Driveline and Axle sections), Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual No. 262 (EF–EL, 1994–1998), and Ellery’s EF–EL Repair Manual for drivetrain layout and component specs.

Why it doesn’t have CVs comes down to design. CV joints are used on front‑wheel drive or independent rear setups with half‑shafts. The 1997 Falcon uses:

• A live rear axle with internal axle shafts and bearings (no rear half‑shafts with CVs)
• A one‑ or two‑piece tailshaft with universal joints (Hardy Spicer style) and a centre bearing on two‑piece shafts
• A non‑driven front suspension/steering assembly (no front drive axles, so no front CVs)

Those details are outlined in the Ford workshop manual driveline chapters and mirrored in Gregory’s and Ellery’s manuals. None list front or rear CV joints for EL Falcon sedans or wagons of that year.

If someone’s chasing a “CV click” noise on full lock in an EL, it’s usually a red herring. Common culprits are front wheel bearings, worn tie‑rod ends/ball joints, or brake hardware. A thud or shudder under acceleration or on/off throttle is more likely a tired tailshaft universal joint or centre support bearing, not a CV. Diff backlash or worn rear control arm bushes can also feel like driveline play.

Good service items on a 1997 Falcon that cover what many mistake for CV issues:

1. Inspect and grease/replace tailshaft universal joints, check centre bearing and rubber support
2. Check front wheel bearings for play/noise, adjust or replace as required
3. Inspect steering ball joints and tie‑rod ends for wear and split boots
4. Change differential oil and check axle seals/bearings for noise or leaks
5. Torque rear suspension and diff mount hardware, inspect bushes

Unless the car’s been heavily modified with an independent rear conversion, a “1997 Ford Falcon CV joint” isn’t a thing. Stick to the items above and it’ll drive sweet as.

• Does a 1997 Ford Falcon have CV joints? No. The EL Falcon is rear‑wheel drive with a live rear axle and a non‑driven front end, so there are no CV joints listed in factory or aftermarket manuals for standard sedans and wagons.
• What’s the clicking noise on full lock if it’s not a CV? Usually front wheel bearings, a loose brake pad/retainer, or worn tie‑rod ends/ball joints. Inspect and replace any worn parts, greasing won’t fix a worn bearing.
• What should be serviced instead of CV joints? Tailshaft universal joints and centre bearing, front wheel bearings, steering joints, and differential oil/seals. These are the real wear points on an EL Falcon.