Parts for your 2006 Honda Fit-Universal joints

2006 Honda Fit (Jazz) universal joints — are they used?

For the 2006 Honda Fit (GD-series Jazz), universal joints aren’t part of the front driveline. Honda’s own technical literature specifies constant velocity (CV) joints on the front driveshafts, not cardan-style universal joints. The car is front-wheel drive with a transaxle, so there’s no rear propeller shaft that would typically use U-joints.

Technical sources that document this:

• Honda Fit/Jazz 2001–2008 (GD1/GD3) Service Manual: Front Driveshaft section details an inboard tripod CV joint and an outboard Rzeppa CV joint, with no reference to prop-shaft U-joints.
• Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for 2006 Fit/Jazz GD: Front axle/driveshaft listings show CV joints and boots, a universal joint only appears in the steering column group as the intermediate steering joint.
• Automotive engineering references (e.g., Bosch Automotive Handbook) note that front-wheel-drive halfshafts require constant-velocity joints to maintain smooth torque at large steering angles, which a single cardan U-joint cannot provide.

Why Honda doesn’t use U-joints here is simple engineering. A single U-joint isn’t constant-velocity, it creates speed pulsation as angles change. On a front-drive hatch that needs big steering angles and silky delivery, CV joints are the go. They handle greater articulation, transmit power smoothly, and cope with suspension movement and steering lock without shudder or vibration.

Worth noting: the Fit/Jazz does have a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft. That’s separate to the driveline, and its job is just to link the column to the rack at an angle. If there’s play or stiffness in the steering, that joint can be inspected, but it’s not the “universal joint” people mean when talking about prop shafts.

What owners should actually maintain on this model are the CV joints and boots. Keep an eye out for split rubber boots, flung grease around the inside of the wheels, or clicking on full lock — all classic signs of a CV issue. Replacing torn boots promptly and using the correct high-moly CV grease can save the joint and keep the Fit running sweet for many more kilometres.

Popular questions

Does a 2006 Honda Fit have universal joints in the driveline?
No. The 2006 Fit/Jazz uses CV joints on the front driveshafts, not prop-shaft style U-joints. A small U-joint exists in the steering intermediate shaft, but that’s unrelated to the power delivery to the wheels.

What should be serviced instead of universal joints on a 2006 Fit?
Focus on the front CV joints and boots. Inspect the rubber boots for splits, check for grease leaks, and listen for clicking on turns. If a boot is torn, replace it and re-pack with the correct grease, or replace the shaft if wear is evident.

How can someone tell if the steering U-joint on a Fit is worn?
Symptoms include notchy or stiff steering around centre, a slight clunk through the column over bumps, or visible rust and binding at the intermediate joint. If in doubt, have a technician check the joint and column alignment under the bonnet.