Parts for your 2001 Toyota Hiace-Cv joint

2001 Toyota Hiace CV Joint: Is It Used, And What Should Be Serviced?

For most 2001 Toyota Hiace vans sold in Australia and New Zealand (H100-series, 2WD, rear-wheel drive), a CV joint isn’t part of the driveline. These models use a front engine with a propeller shaft to a live rear axle, coupled by universal joints (U-joints), not constant velocity joints. CV joints only appear on Hiace variants that drive the front wheels or have a driven front axle—namely certain Japan‑market 4WD models.

Technical sources that outline this include: the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for 2001 Hiace RWD models, which lists propeller shaft assemblies with U-joints but no front half-shafts, Toyota’s Global Service Information (TIS) drivetrain sections for H100 2WD, covering U-joint and centre bearing service, and mainstream aftermarket catalogues (Autodata and major parts listings) that show CV joints only on 4WD Hiace codes while stocking U-joints for the common 2WD vans.

Why no CV joints on a typical 2WD Hiace? There’s no driven front hub, so there are no front half‑shafts to articulate through steering angles. Instead, the prop shaft runs in a straight line (allowing for suspension travel), where hardy U-joints handle angular changes efficiently. It’s a simple, tough setup well suited to commercial use.

What should owners service instead? On a 2WD 2001 Hiace, the sensible checks are:

• Propeller shaft U-joints and slip yoke: look for play, rust-coloured dust, binding, or vibration on throttle.
• Centre support bearing (if fitted): inspect the rubber carrier and bearing noise.
• Rear differential oil level and condition.
• Front hub bearings and steering components (tie-rod ends, rack ends) for play—often mistaken for “CV noise”.

Note for import 4WD Hiace owners: those models do use front drive shafts with CV joints. If there’s clicking on full lock, split boots, or grease flung inside the front rims, it’s time for boots or joints. Use quality moly CV grease, replace clamps, and torque fasteners to the spec in the factory manual.

If unsure whether a van is 2WD or 4WD, check the build plate/model code, look for a front differential and drive shafts, or quote the VIN to a Toyota dealer.

Popular questions about a 2001 Toyota Hiace CV joint

Does a 2001 Toyota Hiace have CV joints?
For the common AU/NZ 2WD Hiace, no—there are no front half-shafts, so no CV joints. It uses U-joints on the prop shaft instead. Certain Japan‑market 4WD Hiace variants from the same era do have CV joints on the front axles.

How can someone tell if their 2001 Hiace is the 4WD model with CV joints?
Look underneath for a front differential and drive shafts running to each front hub. The compliance/build plate model code also identifies 4WD trims. Any Toyota dealer or parts counter can confirm from the VIN.

What’s worth servicing instead of CV joints on a 2WD Hiace?
Focus on propeller shaft U-joints, the centre bearing, rear diff oil, and front hub/steering bearings and joints. Vibrations on throttle or clunks on take‑off often trace back to tired U-joints rather than anything “CV”.