Parts for your 2005 Toyota Altezza-Cv joint

2005 Toyota Altezza CV joint — what it does and how to look after it

For the 2005 Toyota Altezza (GXE10/SXE10), CV joints are absolutely relevant. Although the Altezza is rear‑wheel drive, it runs independent rear suspension with two rear half‑shafts, each fitted with inboard and outboard constant‑velocity (CV) joints. This layout is documented in Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for GXE10/SXE10 (listing rear drive shaft sub‑assemblies, joint boots and boot kits) and in the Lexus IS200/Altezza workshop manual sections covering “Rear Drive Shaft — Disassembly/Assembly,” which describe inboard and outboard joints and boots. Those technical sources confirm the Altezza uses CV joints at the rear, not the front.

On this model, the CV joints allow the rear wheels to move up and down over bumps while still getting smooth drive from the diff, even at sharp suspension angles. That’s why a healthy set of joints keeps take‑offs quiet, acceleration smooth and cornering tidy.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to give the rear CV boots a close look every 10,000–15,000 km. If a boot cracks or splits, grease escapes and road grit sneaks in, which can quickly turn a good joint into a noisy one. Catching a torn boot early and fitting a quality boot kit with the correct moly CV grease often saves the cost of a full half‑shaft.

Typical signs a rear CV joint needs attention on an Altezza include:

• Clicking or clacking on take‑off or when loading/unloading the drivetrain
• Shudder or vibration on acceleration at highway speeds
• Grease flung around the inner wheel, suspension or underbody
• Torn or perished rubber boots

When replacement’s due, many workshops choose a complete rear drive shaft assembly for a quicker, longer‑term fix, others will rebuild with new joints or boots if the wear isn’t advanced. Either way, use the correct spec grease, new clamps, and ensure seals and splines are clean. Lowered cars can run steeper joint angles, so owners with coilovers or springs should be extra vigilant with inspections.

No front CV joints are fitted on the 2005 Altezza because the front wheels don’t drive, steering and suspension up front use ball joints and tie‑rod ends instead. Keep the rear CVs clean, sealed and well‑greased, and they’ll usually clock up plenty of kilometres without drama.

• Technical sources referenced:
  • Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (GXE10/SXE10): Rear drive shaft sub‑assemblies, inboard/outboard joint boots and boot kits
  • Lexus IS200/Altezza Workshop Manual: Rear Drive Shaft — Disassembly/Assembly, joint and boot service procedures

Popular questions

Does a 2005 Toyota Altezza have front CV joints?
No. It’s rear‑wheel drive, so only the rear half‑shafts use CV joints. The front end has steering and suspension components (ball joints, tie‑rods), but no front drive shafts.

How can an owner tell a rear CV joint is failing on an Altezza?
Look and listen. Clicking on take‑off or when loading the driveline, vibration under acceleration, and grease splatter near the rear wheels are classic signs. A torn boot is a big red flag and should be sorted straight away.

Should the CV joint or the whole rear shaft be replaced?
If the joint has only lost its boot and hasn’t run dry, a boot kit can be fine. If there’s noticeable wear or noise, a complete shaft assembly is often the most reliable fix with less labour and fewer comebacks.