Parts for your 2004 Honda Stream-Universal joints

2004 Honda Stream universal joints — are they actually used?

Short answer: for most 2004 Honda Stream models in Australia and New Zealand, universal joints aren’t a driveline service item. Technical sources including the Honda Stream Service Manual (RN1–RN5, Driveline/Axle section), Honda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for AU/NZ RN1/RN3 variants, and standard drivetrain texts like the Bosch Automotive Handbook confirm the front-drive layout uses constant-velocity (CV) joints on the left and right driveshafts, not traditional cardan-style universal joints on a prop shaft. There’s no rear propeller shaft on the FWD models, so there’s nowhere for a typical U-joint to live.

Why’s that the case? FWD cars like the Stream need joints that can transmit power smoothly even while the front wheels steer and move up and down. Classic U-joints create a fluctuating output speed at larger angles, which leads to vibration and harshness. CV joints, by design, maintain constant rotational speed through big angles, which keeps the steering and ride nice and civil. That’s why Honda specifies inner (tripod) and outer (Rzeppa) CV joints on the driveshafts instead of U-joints.

Two small caveats worth noting, especially for import shoppers:

• Some Japan-market 4WD Stream variants (RN2/RN4) use a rear propeller shaft that employs U-joints. If someone’s brought one across the ditch, that’s a different kettle of fish and the prop shaft becomes relevant to servicing.
• The steering column has a small intermediate shaft with a universal joint. It’s not part of the driveline and isn’t normally serviced unless there’s play, stiffness, or corrosion.

So, for an AU/NZ-spec 2004 Stream, focus routine servicing on the CV gear: check outer and inner CV boots for splits, grease sling, or cracks, listen for clicking on full lock (outer CV wear) and feel for shudder under load (inner CV wear). Replace torn boots promptly to save the joint, and if there’s noise or play, a complete shaft assembly swap is often the tidy, cost-effective fix. If the vehicle is a 4WD import and you’re chasing a vibration that changes with road speed, then inspecting prop-shaft U-joints and centre bearing jumps on the list—but that’s specific to those AWD models, not the common FWD versions sold here.

• Does a 2004 Honda Stream have universal joints?
  Most AU/NZ FWD models don’t have driveline U-joints, they use CV joints on the front shafts. There is a small U-joint in the steering column, and some JDM 4WD Streams run prop-shaft U-joints.
• What should be serviced instead of U-joints on a FWD Stream?
  Inspect CV boots every service, clean any slung grease, and replace damaged boots. Clicking on turns points to outer CV wear, vibration on acceleration often means inner CV wear. Complete shaft replacement is common once a joint’s noisy.
• I hear a clicking noise—could that be a universal joint?
  On a FWD Stream, clicking on full lock is classic outer CV joint noise, not a U-joint. Universal joints are only relevant if the vehicle is a 4WD import with a rear prop shaft, those usually cause vibration rather than clicking.