Parts for your 2005 Lexus Is-Cv joint

2005 Lexus IS CV joints: what they do, where they are, and how to look after them

Based on Lexus IS (XE20) factory repair information (Axle and Differential – Rear Drive Shaft), Toyota/Lexus TIS service manuals, and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue listings for “shaft assy, rear drive” with constant velocity joints, the 2005 Lexus IS is fitted with CV joints. All rear‑wheel‑drive models use inner and outer CV joints on the rear half‑shafts, all‑wheel‑drive variants also use front CV joints on the drive shafts.

On a 2005 Lexus IS, the CV joint’s job is to transfer torque smoothly through angles as the suspension moves and, on front shafts (AWD), as the wheels steer. The design allows constant rotational speed without binding, keeping the IS quiet, grippy and refined under acceleration and over bumps. In the RWD cars, each rear half‑shaft has an inboard plunging CV to manage length changes and an outboard CV to articulate at the hub. When everything’s healthy, there’s no vibration, no clunks, just tidy delivery of power to the tyres.

Servicing is mostly about the boots and grease. The rubber boots keep high‑moly grease in and water and grit out. A split boot lets the grease fling out and dust grind in, which chews the joint in short order. During routine servicing (every 10,000–15,000 km is a good habit), a quick visual under the rear of the IS for torn boots or thrown grease around the hub and lower arms is time well spent. If a boot is cracked but the joint’s still quiet and play‑free, a boot kit and fresh grease can save the day. If there’s clicking, binding, or play, it’s usually smarter to replace the complete shaft or joint assembly.

Watch for:

• Grease splatter near the rear hubs or underbody.
• Clicking or clacking on take‑off or during tight turns (AWD fronts too).
• Shudder under load or a humming that rises with road speed.

Replacement tips a good workshop will follow: use quality boots and high‑moly CV grease, clean mating faces, renew axle nuts and hub bolts where specified, torque to factory spec, and recheck for leaks after a short drive. On higher‑kilometre IS models, doing both rear boots together isn’t a bad shout. Keep the boots happy and the CVs on a 2005 IS generally run for ages with no dramas.

Popular questions

Does a 2005 Lexus IS have CV joints?
Yes. RWD models have CV joints on the rear half‑shafts, AWD versions add front CV joints as well. They’re detailed in Lexus/Toyota factory repair manuals and parts catalogues for the XE20‑series IS.

What are the signs of a bad CV joint on an IS250/IS350?
Look for grease flung around the rear hubs, torn boots, clicking during take‑off or tight turns, and shudder on acceleration. Any play at the joint with the car safely raised is a red flag.

Can just the CV boot be replaced, or does the whole shaft need doing?
If the joint’s quiet and free of play, a boot‑only repair with fresh grease is fine. If it’s noisy, gritty, or worn, a complete shaft or joint swap is usually quicker, longer‑lasting, and better value.