Parts for your 2007 Mazda Premacy-Universal joints

Are universal joints used on the 2007 Mazda Premacy?

Short answer: for the driveline, no. The 2007 Mazda Premacy (CR, also sold as Mazda5) is built as a front‑wheel drive people mover, so it doesn’t run a rear propeller shaft with cardan-type universal joints. Mazda’s own technical literature shows the front drive shafts use constant velocity (CV) joints at both ends rather than U‑joints. See the Mazda5/Premacy Workshop Manual (2005–2010), Driveline/Axle – Front Drive Shaft section, which details tripod/ball-type CV joints, and the 2007 Owner’s Manual Specifications listing the vehicle as front‑wheel drive. In the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalog for FF (front engine, front‑wheel drive) CR models, there’s no propeller shaft assembly listed, confirming there’s no driveline U‑joint to replace.

Why no universal joints then? On a front‑wheel drive layout the front shafts must transmit power while the wheels steer and move through suspension travel. CV joints keep rotational speed constant through large angles, avoiding the vibration and cyclic speed change that a traditional Hooke-type universal joint would introduce. That means smoother take‑offs, less shudder on full lock, and better NVH for day‑to‑day driving.

Worth noting: there is a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft (steering column coupling). That’s a separate component from driveline U‑joints, it lets the column change angle to the rack. If there’s play in the steering or a notchiness felt through the wheel, a technician may inspect that coupling during a standard service. But as far as “universal joints” in the sense of rear prop-shaft joints go, the 2007 Premacy simply doesn’t use them.

• If hearing clicking on turns or finding split boots, the likely culprit is a CV joint/boot, not a U‑joint.
• Regular servicing focuses on inspecting CV boots for cracks and leaks, and replacing them before dirt kills the joint.

Popular questions

Does my 2007 Mazda Premacy have any universal joints at all?
Yes, but not in the driveline. The car uses a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft. The drive shafts themselves are CV-jointed, which is standard for front‑wheel drive layouts.

What should be serviced instead of universal joints on a Premacy?
Have the front CV boots and joints inspected for splits, grease leaks, or play. If a boot is damaged, replace it promptly to avoid joint wear. Mechanics will also check the steering column coupling (the small U‑joint) for corrosion or stiffness.

How do I tell if a CV joint or the steering U‑joint is failing?
A failing outer CV joint often clicks on tight turns and may fling grease from a torn boot. A worn steering U‑joint tends to cause notchy or stiff steering, sometimes with a dead spot on centre. Either issue warrants a closer look during the next service.