Parts for your 2006 Honda Elysion-Universal joints

2006 Honda Elysion universal joints: what they do and when to service them

Technical sources confirm universal joints are relevant on four‑wheel‑drive variants of the 2006 Honda Elysion. The Honda Elysion Workshop Manual (RR1–RR4, Driveline/Propeller Shaft section) and Honda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue list a propeller shaft with universal joint yokes and a centre support bearing on RR2/RR4 (Real Time 4WD) models. RR1/RR3 front‑wheel‑drive models don’t have a prop shaft and therefore don’t use universal joints, their front axles use constant‑velocity (CV) joints instead.

On 4WD Elysions, the universal joints sit at each end of the propeller shaft, letting the shaft transmit torque from the transfer/output at the gearbox to the rear differential while the angles change with suspension and body movement. They’re a quiet achiever—when they’re healthy, the driveline feels smooth and drama‑free from take‑off to highway speeds.

When wear sets in, the Elysion may start to tell tales. Drivers often notice a faint clunk selecting Drive or Reverse, a vibration or shudder between 60–80 km/h on light throttle, or a droning that changes with speed rather than engine revs. On inspection, a worn U‑joint can show dry, rusty powder around the caps, notchy movement, or perceptible free play.

• Clunk on take‑off or when shifting from D to R
• Vibration felt through the seat/floor at steady speeds
• Rust dust at the bearing caps, stiffness or binding when flexed
• Split centre support bearing rubber or a wobbly prop shaft

Servicing is straightforward but a bit particular. Most Honda prop shafts of this era use staked, non‑greasable universal joints. That means there’s no periodic greasing, and Honda’s service position is to replace the complete propeller shaft if a U‑joint is worn. Many driveline specialists can rebuild the shaft with circlip‑type joints, but quality and balance are critical—poorly rebuilt shafts can cause new vibrations.

During routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the shaft every 20,000–40,000 kilometres: check the U‑joints for play, the centre support bearing for cracking or sag, and the flange bolts for tightness. If replacement is needed, mark the shaft orientation before removal, follow the workshop manual torque specs for the flange bolts, and road‑test for any residual vibration. It’s also a good time to check rear diff and transfer unit fluids, as smooth lubrication everywhere helps the whole 4WD system behave nicely.

For front‑wheel‑drive Elysions, universal joints aren’t used—front CV joints handle articulation and torque delivery, and the driveline symptoms and fixes differ.

Popular questions

Do all 2006 Honda Elysion models have universal joints?
No. Only the 4WD RR2/RR4 variants have universal joints on the propeller shaft. The RR1/RR3 front‑wheel‑drive versions don’t have a prop shaft at all, they use CV joints at the front driveshafts instead.

Why does my Elysion vibrate around 70 km/h—could it be the U‑joints?
It could be. A worn universal joint or a tired centre support bearing commonly shows up as a seat‑of‑the‑pants vibration at 60–80 km/h. Rule out tyres and wheel balance first, then check the prop shaft for play, rust dust, or binding. If in doubt, a driveline specialist can diagnose it on the hoist.

Can the universal joints be greased or replaced individually?
The factory Honda shaft typically uses sealed, staked U‑joints with no grease nipples. Honda specifies replacing the complete prop shaft. Some workshops can rebuild the shaft with serviceable joints, but the work must be precise and the shaft rebalanced to avoid new vibrations.