Parts for your 2005 Honda Stream-Universal joints

2005 Honda Stream universal joints: what’s actually on the car

Based on the Honda Stream RN1–RN5 Workshop Manual (Driveline/Axle and Propeller Shaft sections, 2000–2006) and the Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), the typical 2005 Honda Stream sold and serviced in Australia and New Zealand (front‑wheel drive RN1/RN3) does not use driveline universal joints. These FWD models run constant‑velocity (CV) joints on the two front driveshafts. Universal joints are only relevant on the less common Real Time 4WD variants (RN2/RN4), which add a propeller shaft to the rear—those assemblies include factory‑staked U‑joints and are listed under “propeller shaft” in the EPC.

Why no U‑joints on most 2005 Streams? The design is a transverse engine with FWD, so there’s no rear propeller shaft to couple with U‑joints. CV joints are the correct choice for front axle shafts because they maintain constant rotational speed through steering and suspension travel, where a single Cardan U‑joint would introduce velocity fluctuation and vibration. The workshop manual’s Driveline/Axle chapter details inspection and service of outer/inner CV joints and boots for these models—no U‑joint service procedures are provided for FWD cars because there aren’t any in the driveline. Note: the steering column uses a small universal joint on the intermediate shaft, but that’s a steering component rather than the driveline “universal joint” most people mean.

• FWD RN1/RN3: CV joints only (no driveline U‑joints), service items are CV boots, grease, and complete shaft replacement if worn (per Honda manual).
• AWD RN2/RN4: propeller shaft present, U‑joints relevant but typically non‑serviceable individually in Honda literature—shaft is replaced as an assembly if there’s play, noise or vibration.

If you’re unsure which you have, the EPC and workshop manual both identify RN2/RN4 by the presence of a rear differential and prop shaft. A quick under‑car check: a FWD Stream has no centre prop shaft, an AWD car does.

FAQs

Does my 2005 Honda Stream have universal joints?
Most Aussie and Kiwi 2005 Streams are FWD and don’t have driveline U‑joints. If yours is an AWD RN2/RN4 (often a JDM import), it will have a propeller shaft with U‑joints. Look underneath for a centre prop shaft and rear diff, or check the build plate/model code.

Why does the 2005 Stream use CV joints instead of U‑joints up front?
CV joints keep a constant rotational speed while the wheels steer and the suspension moves, which keeps things smooth and quiet. A single U‑joint would cause speed fluctuation through an angle, leading to vibration—so Honda specifies CVs for the front axle in the Stream’s FWD layout.

If mine is AWD, are the U‑joints serviceable?
Honda’s service info treats the AWD propeller shaft as a complete unit with staked U‑joints—if there’s clunking, vibration or noticeable play, the official fix is to replace the whole shaft. Some driveline specialists can rebuild shafts, but that’s outside Honda’s factory procedure.