Parts for your 2001 Daihatsu Gran move-Universal joints

2001 Daihatsu Gran Move universal joints — what’s fitted and what to service

Based on technical sources including the Daihatsu Pyzar/Gran Move (G3-series) workshop manual (Chassis: Steering and Drive Shaft), the Daihatsu Electronic Parts Catalogue for G301/G303, and Autodata specifications for the 2001 Gran Move, this model is front-wheel drive with constant velocity (CV) joints on the front drive shafts, not driveline universal joints. However, it does use a small universal joint on the steering intermediate shaft. So, while “U-joints” aren’t part of the Gran Move’s drive shafts, there is a steering column universal joint worth inspecting as part of routine servicing.

On the 2001 Daihatsu Gran Move, the universal joint is there to link the steering column to the rack-and-pinion at a slight angle, letting the shaft articulate smoothly without binding. It’s compact, tough and largely out of sight by the firewall, but like any joint with needle bearings, it can wear or corrode over time—especially in Aussie and Kiwi coastal conditions where moisture and salt can creep in.

Tell-tales of a tired steering U-joint include a notchy or heavy feel on turn-in, clunks when rocking the wheel, vague on-centre feel, or poor return-to-centre after a corner. If any of that shows up, it’s worth a closer look.

Service-wise, most steering intermediate shafts on Gran Move-era Daihatsus are replaced as a complete assembly rather than rebuilt. During regular servicing, a simple check goes a long way:

• Inspect for free play or stiffness by gently rocking the steering wheel with the engine off.
• Look for rust staining, cracked boots or signs of water ingress around the lower joint.
• Listen for clunks when transitioning from left to right at parking speeds.

If replacement’s needed, a workshop will usually disconnect the battery (airbag safety), lock the steering wheel straight-ahead, remove the column and rack pinch bolts, slide the shaft off, then refit and torque to the workshop manual spec. Wheel alignment marks should be observed so the wheel stays straight. There’s no scheduled replacement interval for the U-joint, but checking it at each major service (or any time the steering feels off) is smart.

Why no driveline U-joints on this Gran Move? As the factory literature notes, its front drive shafts use tripod (inboard) and Rzeppa/Birfield (outboard) CV joints. CVs maintain constant rotational speed through large steering angles, whereas Hooke-type universal joints introduce speed fluctuation and vibration—fine for a prop shaft, but not ideal for a small FWD people-mover.

Popular questions about 2001 Daihatsu Gran Move universal joints

Does the 2001 Gran Move have universal joints in the driveline?
Not in the front drive shafts. The model is front-wheel drive and uses CV joints on both shafts. A universal joint is used on the steering intermediate shaft, which is a separate system from the driveline.

What are the symptoms of a worn steering U-joint on a Gran Move?
Expect a notchy or heavy steering feel, a slight clunk when changing direction at low speeds, or vague on-centre response. If steering effort changes with weather or after rain, corrosion in the joint could be the culprit.

Can the Gran Move’s steering U-joint be lubricated instead of replaced?
Generally, no. The joint is effectively non-serviceable in-situ, and lubrication rarely restores smoothness once wear or corrosion sets in. Replacement of the intermediate shaft assembly is the typical repair.