Parts for your 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer-Driveshafts

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer driveshafts – what they do and how to look after them

Based on the Mitsubishi Lancer CJ 2008 Workshop Manual (Group 26 – Front Axle/Drive Shaft), the Mitsubishi Evolution X CZ4A Workshop Manual (Propeller Shaft and Rear Axle sections), and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue, driveshafts are absolutely fitted to the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. All front‑wheel‑drive CJ Lancers use a pair of front CV driveshafts, while AWD variants like the Evolution X also add a propeller shaft (tailshaft) and rear driveshafts.

On a 2008 Lancer, the driveshafts transfer torque from the transaxle to the wheels. Each shaft has constant‑velocity (CV) joints that let the suspension move and the wheels steer without binding. In day‑to‑day terms, they’re the solid link between engine power and forward motion, and when they’re in top nick the car feels smooth and quiet.

Servicing wise, they’re largely “inspect and maintain” items. The big thing is the rubber CV boots – if they split, grease escapes, water and grit get in, and the joint wears fast. As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to check both inner and outer boots for cracks, weeping grease, or clamps that have loosened. A quick look for grease flung inside the wheel or along the subframe can catch issues early.

Common warning signs include a rhythmic clicking on full lock (usually outer CV), vibration on acceleration (often inner CV or a worn intermediate bearing on the RH shaft), or a shudder on take‑off. Tyre and wheel balance should be ruled out, but if those are fine, the driveshafts deserve a close look.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: remove the hub nut, separate the lower arm, pop the shaft from the transaxle, and swap in a quality unit. Always use a new axle nut, stake or pin it per the manual, and top up or check trans fluid if any was lost. On RH shafts with an intermediate support bearing, check for play and renew the bearing or bracket if needed. After any driveshaft work, a wheel alignment check is good practice.

For AWD Evolution X models, add routine inspection of the propeller shaft couplings and rear CV boots. Keeping the boots intact and greased will see most Lancer driveshafts run happily for hundreds of thousands of kilometres.

• Service tip: inspect CV boots every service or 10,000–15,000 km.
• Replace boots at the first sign of cracking to save the joint.
• Use the correct spec grease and proper boot clamps.

Popular questions about 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer driveshafts

Does a 2008 Lancer have driveshafts or a tailshaft?
Yes. All FWD CJ Lancers have two front CV driveshafts. AWD Evolution X models also have a propeller shaft (tailshaft) to the rear diff plus rear driveshafts.

How long do the driveshafts last, and what symptoms point to wear?
With intact boots, they often last well past 150,000–200,000 km. Clicking on full lock, vibration under load, or grease splatter near the wheel or underbody are the classic clues it’s time for repair or replacement.

Can just a CV boot be replaced, or is a whole shaft better?
If the joint’s still smooth and quiet, a new boot and fresh grease can be cost‑effective. If there’s any clicking, binding, blueing, or pitting, a complete shaft assembly is usually the smarter, longer‑term fix.