Parts for your 2002 Honda Fit-Universal joints

Are universal joints used on a 2002 Honda Fit (Jazz)?

Short answer: not for the driveline on the typical 2002 Honda Fit/Jazz sold in Australia and New Zealand. Those models are front‑wheel drive with transverse engines and use constant velocity (CV) joints on the front half‑shafts. There’s no rear propeller shaft, so the classic cardan “U‑joint” you’d find on a rear‑wheel‑drive tailshaft doesn’t apply here. The only place a universal joint turns up is in the steering intermediate shaft, which is a different component to the drivetrain joints people usually mean when they say “U‑joint”.

Why Honda didn’t use universal joints on the driveshafts comes down to geometry and smoothness. Front‑wheel‑drive cars need the front joints to handle big articulation angles for both steering and suspension travel. A single cardan U‑joint changes output speed through each rotation unless paired as a double‑cardan and carefully phased. CV joints (Rzeppa outer, tripod inner) transmit torque at a constant speed even at high angles, which keeps the steering and ride smooth and reduces vibration. That’s exactly what the Fit/Jazz uses on each front axle.

What owners should service instead of a U‑joint are the CV joints and boots. At routine services, it’s worth checking for split or weeping boots, slung grease around the inside of the wheels, and clicking on full lock — all classic signs the CV joints or boots need attention. Boots can often be replaced before the joint itself is damaged. If the joint clicks under load, a rebuilt or new driveshaft assembly is often the straightforward fix. There’s no set kilometre interval for CV joints, they’re inspected and serviced based on condition, road grime exposure, and driving style.

Note: Certain Japan‑market 4WD variants of the early Fit used a rear propeller shaft, those layouts can include universal or CV couplings. That configuration wasn’t offered in Australia or New Zealand for 2002 models, so it’s not relevant to most local vehicles.

Technical sources referenced:

• Honda Fit/Jazz 2001–2008 Service Manual (Helm), Driveline/Axle: details inboard tripod and outboard Rzeppa CV joints on front half‑shafts.
• Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for 2002 GD Jazz/Fit AU/NZ: lists driveshaft assemblies with CV joints, no propeller shaft on FWD trims.
• Bosch Automotive Handbook, “Joints and Couplings”: operational differences between cardan U‑joints and constant‑velocity joints.

Popular questions

Do 2002 Honda Fit/Jazz models have universal joints in the drivetrain?
For AU/NZ front‑wheel‑drive cars, no. They use CV joints on the front axles and have no tailshaft. A small U‑joint exists in the steering column, but that’s not a driveline service item.

What should be checked instead of a U‑joint on a 2002 Fit/Jazz?
Inspect CV boots for splits and grease leaks, listen for clicking on full lock, and feel for vibration under load. Damaged boots should be replaced promptly, noisy joints usually mean a replacement shaft or joint assembly.

Could a 2002 Fit have a universal joint if it’s a 4WD model?
Some Japan‑market 4WD variants use a propeller shaft that may employ universal or CV couplings. These weren’t sold new in AU/NZ in 2002. If in doubt, check the VIN and underbody for a rear diff and prop shaft.