Parts for your 1999 Ford Falcon-Universal joints

1999 Ford Falcon universal-joints: what they do and how to keep them sweet

Based on technical sources including the Ford AU Series (1998–2000) Workshop Manual driveline section, Gregory’s AU Falcon Service & Repair Manual, and major parts catalogues from Spicer, GMB, Repco and NAPA that list service kits for AU Falcon tailshafts, universal joints are absolutely used on the 1999 Ford Falcon. The rear-wheel-drive AU Falcon runs a tailshaft with U-joints at each end (and a centre bearing on some body styles), connecting the gearbox output to the differential pinion.

On a 1999 Falcon, the universal joints let the tailshaft transmit torque while dealing with suspension movement and small alignment changes. Think of them as the flexible couplers that keep everything turning smoothly even when the diff and gearbox aren’t perfectly in line. When they’re in good nick, the car feels tight, quiet and vibration-free on the highway. When they’re tired, you’ll often cop a clunk on take-off, a chirpy squeak at low speeds, or a buzz through the seat under load.

For regular servicing, it pays to inspect the universal-joints every service interval (or at least every 10,000–15,000 km). Some Falcons left the factory with sealed, non-greasable unis, many replacements are greasable. If yours have grease nipples, give them a quality chassis grease at each service until fresh grease just appears past the seals. If they’re sealed, rely on inspection and replace at the first sign of wear.

Good workshop practice on an AU Falcon includes marking the tailshaft orientation before removal, supporting the shaft to avoid stressing the caps, and checking the centre bearing (ute/wagon/long wheelbase) at the same time. Always follow the workshop manual for fastener torque and any threadlocker use, and recheck driveline angles if the car is lowered — poor angles accelerate uni wear.

• Common symptoms: take-off clunk, low-speed squeak, highway vibration, rust dust around bearing caps.
• Replacement tips: use quality branded unis, press caps squarely, confirm free movement with no tight spots once installed, and road-test for vibration.
• Service hint: if one universal joint has failed, assess the other end and the centre bearing, replacing as a set can save repeat labour.

Look after the universal-joints on a 1999 Ford Falcon and it’ll reward with smoother shifts, quieter cruising, and fewer surprises from the back end.

Popular questions about 1999 Ford Falcon universal-joints

How do I know if my AU Falcon’s universal joints need replacing?
Most owners notice a dull clunk when selecting drive or taking off, a rhythmic squeak at carpark speeds, or a vibration that gets worse with load or speed. If there’s play when you twist the tailshaft by hand (with the car safely supported) or rust-coloured dust at a cap, the U-joints are on the way out.

Are the universal joints on a 1999 Falcon greasable?
Many replacement kits for AU Falcons are greasable, but some factory-fitted units were sealed. Have a look for a small grease nipple on the cross. If present, grease them every service. If not, inspect regularly and replace at the first sign of wear.

Can I drive with a noisy or vibrating universal joint?
It’s not wise. A worn universal joint can fail suddenly, potentially damaging the tailshaft or surrounding components. If there’s noise or vibration that points to the uni, book it in promptly and avoid hard acceleration or highway stints until it’s sorted.