Parts for your 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer-Universal joints

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer universal joints — are they used?

Short answer: on standard 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer CJ front‑wheel‑drive models, universal joints (U‑joints) aren’t part of the driveline. Technical references such as the Mitsubishi Motors CJ Lancer Workshop Manual (Front Axle/Driveshafts, Group 22A) and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue list inboard and outboard constant velocity (CV) joints on the front driveshafts, with no propeller shaft on FWD variants. The manual’s propeller shaft section (Group 37) doesn’t apply to these models. That’s why a traditional tailshaft U‑joint isn’t specified for normal CJ Lancer sedans and hatches.

Why no U‑joints? FWD packaging puts the gearbox and differential up front and uses CV joints to transmit power through large steering and suspension angles while maintaining constant rotational speed. A single U‑joint creates speed fluctuation at angles and would cause vibration and wear, it only works cleanly when used in paired, correctly phased shafts like those on many RWD/4WD layouts. The CJ Lancer simply doesn’t have that layout.

What should be serviced instead? Focus on the front CV joints and boots. The boots keep high‑moly grease in and grit out, once a boot splits, grease is flung under the bonnet and the joint wears quickly. During routine servicing, a technician should check:

• CV boots for cracks, splits, or grease sling on nearby components
• Clicking on full‑lock turns (often the outer CV), or vibration under load (can point to inner CV or tyres)
• Intermediate shaft support bearing (if fitted), engine/gearbox mounts, and front wheel bearings

If a boot is torn but the joint isn’t noisy, a timely boot and grease replacement can save the joint. If there’s clicking or play, a complete driveshaft or CV joint replacement is usually the go. As a side note, many Lancers have a small U‑joint in the steering intermediate shaft, that’s separate from the driveline and only needs attention if there’s steering notchiness or binding.

Does a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer have universal joints?
For mainstream CJ FWD models, no. They use CV joints on the front driveshafts and have no tailshaft. The all‑wheel‑drive Lancer Evolution X is different in layout and uses a propeller shaft, but the standard CJ sedan/hatch sold in Australia and New Zealand doesn’t use serviceable driveline U‑joints.

What should be serviced instead of universal joints on a CJ Lancer?
Keep an eye on CV boots, listen for clicking on turns, and check for vibration on acceleration. Sorting boots early can prevent costly CV joint or whole shaft replacement. Also check front wheel bearings and mounts during regular servicing.

Could a clunk or vibration be a U‑joint on this car?
Unlikely on a FWD CJ Lancer. More common causes are worn CV joints, split boots, a tired engine/gearbox mount, or tyre issues. A steering clunk can come from the column’s small U‑joint, but that’s separate to the driveline.