Parts for your 2005 Toyota Highlander-Cv joint

2005 Toyota Highlander (Kluger) CV joint: purpose, checks, and replacement tips

CV joints are absolutely used on the 2005 Toyota Highlander (known as Kluger in Australia and New Zealand). Toyota’s own technical literature confirms this: the Toyota Repair Manual (TIS) for the 2004–2007 Highlander/Kluger XU20 details front drive shafts with inboard tripod and outboard Rzeppa-type constant velocity joints, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue lists the front drive shaft sub-assemblies (with inboard and outboard joints) for 2005 model codes, and the Toyota New Car Features guide describes AWD models with rear drive shafts that also use CV joints. So, whether it’s a FWD or AWD Highlander, CV joints are part of the driveline.

On this model, CV joints let the front wheels receive smooth power while turning and moving up and down with the suspension. Outboard joints sit by the wheel hubs, inboard joints sit near the transaxle. AWD variants add rear halfshafts with CV joints to drive the rear wheels. When healthy, they’re quiet and seamless, when worn or the boots split, they can click on turns, vibrate on acceleration, or fling grease onto the inner wheel and suspension.

As part of routine servicing, it pays to inspect the CV boots every service or roughly every 10,000–15,000 kilometres. Look for cracks, splits, loose clamps, or grease spray. Catching a torn boot early and replacing the boot and grease can save the joint. If there’s already clicking on full lock or noticeable shudder under load, the joint may be past it and a complete shaft assembly is often the most efficient fix.

• Keep boots intact: once grease escapes or water gets in, wear accelerates fast.
• Use the correct high-moly CV grease and quality clamps when rebooting.
• If replacing, many workshops fit complete new or remanufactured shafts to save time and ensure balance.
• After any axle work, recheck hub nut staking, fluid level at the transaxle, and for any weeps. A wheel alignment check is sensible if suspension has been disturbed.
• AWD owners should have front and rear CV boots inspected—rear joints are often overlooked.

Look after the CV joints on a 2005 Highlander/Kluger and they’ll typically run for years, keeping the drive smooth, quiet, and dependable on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions about 2005 Toyota Highlander CV joints

What are the warning signs of a failing CV joint on a 2005 Highlander?
Tell-tale signs include a rhythmic clicking or clacking on tight turns, vibration under acceleration, and visible grease flung around the inner wheel or under-guard. If a boot is torn, grit will get in and the joint can wear quickly, so don’t delay inspection.

Is it better to replace just the boot or the whole CV axle?
If the boot has only just split and there’s no noise or play, a reboot with fresh grease is fine. If there’s clicking, blueing, pitting, or noticeable play, a complete axle assembly is usually the better value and more reliable long-term fix.

Do AWD Highlanders have rear CV joints too?
Yes. AWD variants run rear halfshafts with CV joints. They should be inspected at the same intervals as the fronts, as rear boots can age and split just like the fronts.