Parts for your 2005 Toyota Hiace-Cv joint

2005 Toyota Hiace CV Joint — Is It Fitted, and What Should Be Serviced?

For most Australian and New Zealand–delivered 2005 Toyota Hiace vans (H200 series), a CV joint isn’t used. Technical references including Toyota’s H200 New Car Features, the factory Repair Manual drivetrain section, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) show that the common 2WD variants (e.g., KDH201/TRH201) are rear‑wheel drive with a propeller shaft and universal joints (U‑joints), not front drive shafts with CV joints. The EPC lists front drive shaft assemblies only on the 4WD variants (e.g., KDH205/KDH206/TRH226), confirming CV joints are only relevant to those 4WD models. Major aftermarket catalogues in AU/NZ mirror this by listing CV shafts for 4WD Hiace only.

Why no CV joint on a typical 2005 Hiace? Because the 2WD Hiace sends power to a solid rear axle via a tailshaft, so the front hubs simply steer and don’t drive. CV joints exist to transmit drive through varying angles at the wheels, which a non-driven front hub doesn’t need. Instead, the driveline relies on U‑joints and, often, a centre bearing.

Owners chasing “CV noises” on a 2WD Hiace might actually be hearing issues from elsewhere. Usual suspects include dry or worn tailshaft U‑joints, a failing centre bearing, tired engine/gearbox mounts, or front-end components like lower ball joints and wheel bearings. Regular servicing should focus on those items rather than a CV joint that isn’t fitted on the 2WD van.

• Tailshaft U‑joints: check for play, rust bleed and binding, replace if notchy or loose.
• Centre bearing: inspect the rubber support and bearing smoothness.
• Front wheel bearings and ball joints: check for play and noise while turning.
• Tyres and alignment: uneven wear or feathering can mimic driveline grumbles.

If the van happens to be a 4WD Hiace (less common locally), then yes, it runs front drive shafts with inboard and outboard CV joints. In that case, split boots, flicked grease and clicking on full lock are the classic CV clues, and the remedy is CV boot replacement or a complete shaft depending on condition.

Popular questions about 2005 Toyota Hiace CV joints

Does my 2005 Toyota Hiace have CV joints?
Most AU/NZ 2WD models don’t have front CV joints, as they’re rear‑wheel drive. Only the 4WD variants use front drive shafts with CV joints. A quick check: if there’s a front differential and drive shafts going to the front wheels, it’s 4WD and will have CVs.

What should be serviced if my 2WD Hiace doesn’t use CV joints?
Focus on the tailshaft U‑joints, the centre bearing, engine/gearbox mounts and front wheel bearings/ball joints. Those are the usual sources of vibration or clunks that some drivers mistake for CV issues.

What are the signs of a failing CV joint on a 4WD Hiace?
Clicking on full lock, grease flung inside the wheel from a torn boot and shuddering on take‑off point to a worn CV. If the boot’s just split, a boot kit can save the joint, if there’s heavy wear or pitting, a complete shaft replacement is the go.