Parts for your 2009 Honda Stream-Driveshafts

2009 Honda Stream driveshafts: what they do and how to look after them

Driveshafts are absolutely relevant on the 2009 Honda Stream. Technical references including the Honda Stream (RN6–RN9) Service Manual and Honda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue list “Front Drive Shaft” assemblies for all front‑wheel‑drive variants, and a “Propeller Shaft” plus rear drive shafts for 4WD models sold in select markets. In short: every 2009 Stream runs driveshafts up front, some also have a centre prop shaft and rear shafts.

On the front‑wheel‑drive 2009 Stream, a pair of constant‑velocity (CV) driveshafts send torque from the transaxle to the front hubs while allowing for suspension travel and steering angle. Each shaft has inner and outer CV joints packed with grease and protected by rubber boots. In 4WD versions, a propeller shaft transfers power to a rear differential, which then uses rear driveshafts to the wheels. Keeping these bits healthy means smoother take‑offs, quieter cornering, and longer life for tyres and bearings.

Good servicing practice for a 2009 Honda Stream includes regular driveshaft checks. A quick look under the car can save a lot of hassle later.

• Inspect CV boots every 10,000–15,000 km (or each service). Look for splits, perished rubber, loose clamps, or grease fling on the inner guard and chassis.
• Listen for clicking on full‑lock turns, vibration under acceleration, or a shudder at motorway speeds — classic signs of worn CV joints.
• Check for play with the wheel off the ground: excessive axial or radial movement at the shaft or a knock when shifting from drive to reverse points to wear.

If a boot is torn but the joint is still quiet and free of play, a timely boot replacement and fresh grease can save the shaft. Once a joint clicks or grinds, it’s usually time for a complete shaft assembly. When replacing, use new axle/hub nuts and circlips as specified by Honda, torque everything to spec, and top up or replace transmission fluid if any is lost during the job. A wheel alignment is wise if suspension components have been disturbed. Quality matters here — reputable aftermarket or genuine Honda shafts that match the RN6–RN9 specifications will fit and last.

Technical sources consulted: Honda Stream (RN6–RN9) Service Manual, Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) listings for “Front Drive Shaft,” “Propeller Shaft,” and rear drive shafts, Honda workshop bulletins on CV joint and boot inspection.

Popular questions about 2009 Honda Stream driveshafts

How can someone tell their 2009 Stream’s driveshafts are on the way out?
They’ll usually hear a rhythmic clicking when turning at low speed, feel a vibration on acceleration, or notice grease sprayed around the inner wheel area from a split boot. Any of these are cues to book an inspection before the joint wears further.

Are the left and right front driveshafts interchangeable?
No. The shafts differ in length and, in some cases, joint design and damper configuration. Each side is engineered for the RN6–RN9 layout, so parts should be ordered and fitted by side and by drivetrain (FWD vs 4WD).

Is it safe to drive with a torn CV boot?
Only for a very short distance if absolutely necessary. Once the boot splits, grease escapes and grit enters, accelerating joint wear. Repairing the boot promptly can save the joint, leaving it will usually lead to a full driveshaft replacement.