Parts for your 2008 Ford Transit-Universal joints

2008 Ford Transit universal joints: what they do and how to look after them

Based on the Ford Transit (2006–2013 Mk7) workshop manual and the Haynes Ford Transit Diesel 2000–2013 guide, the 2008 Ford Transit uses universal joints (U‑joints) on rear‑wheel‑drive and all‑wheel‑drive propshafts. Major driveline catalogues from GKN and Spicer also list replacement U‑joints for these models. Front‑wheel‑drive Transits of the same era run CV joints on the front driveshafts instead of rear propshaft U‑joints, but even those have a steering column U‑joint. So yes—U‑joints are relevant kit on a 2008 Transit, especially the RWD vans common in AU and NZ.

On a RWD 2008 Transit, the U‑joints sit on the propshaft and let the driveline smoothly transfer torque between the gearbox and the diff while the suspension moves. They handle the slight angles and length changes that happen as the van loads up, hits bumps, or squats under acceleration. When they’re healthy, you get quiet, vibration‑free cruising, when they’re not, the whole van can feel a bit grumpy.

What to watch and listen for:

• A light squeak at low speeds that comes and goes with road speed.
• Driveline vibration under load or at highway pace, sometimes felt through the seat.
• A dull clunk when taking up drive or shifting from accel to coast.
• Rusty dust around bearing caps, split seals, or any free play at the cross.

Service advice for a 2008 Transit’s U‑joints:

• Inspect every 20,000–30,000 km or at routine services. Check all caps for movement, leaks, or heat discolouration.
• Many OE U‑joints are sealed-for-life, if your replacements have grease nipples, give them a light pump at service, wiping excess.
• Check propshaft phasing marks and the centre support bearing at the same time. Tyre balance and diff/gearbox mounts also affect vibration, so don’t skip them.

Replacement tips: mark the flanges and yokes before removal so phasing goes back the same. Support the shaft to avoid bending it, and torque the flange bolts to spec with thread locker where required. If a joint is staked rather than clipped, the practical fix is often a complete propshaft or a professionally rebuilt shaft. After fitting, a quick road test for noise and vibration is a must. Keep it simple: good quality U‑joints and correct phasing mean a Transit that runs straight and true over long Kiwi and Aussie kilometres.

• How often should the 2008 Transit’s U‑joints be checked?
  They’re best inspected at regular services—around every 20,000–30,000 km in typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions. Vans that tow, carry heavy loads, or see dusty outback roads may need closer attention. A quick feel for play and a look for rust bleed or torn seals goes a long way.
• Are the factory U‑joints greaseable?
  OE units on many 2008 RWD Transits are sealed-for-life. Plenty of aftermarket replacements are greaseable, which is handy for fleet work. If you’ve got greaseable joints, add a small shot at service and wipe any excess so it doesn’t fling onto underbody or brakes.
• Do all 2008 Transits have propshaft U‑joints?
  RWD and AWD models do. FWD versions don’t have a rear propshaft, so no rear U‑joints—they use CV joints on the front driveshafts instead. All variants still use a steering column U‑joint.