Parts for your 2009 Mazda Premacy-Universal joints

2009 Mazda Premacy universal joints — are they actually used?

Short answer: for Australian and New Zealand–market 2009 Mazda Premacy (Mazda5, CR series), universal joints aren’t part of the front-drive driveline. Technical literature for the CR Premacy shows a front-wheel drive layout with a transaxle and two front drive shafts using constant velocity (CV) joints rather than prop shaft universal joints. There’s no rear differential or propeller shaft on these models, so there’s no need for classic tailshaft U-joints.

Why’s that the case? A front-wheel drive people mover like the Premacy needs joints that can handle big steering angles and suspension movement without speed fluctuation or shudder. A single Hooke’s (universal) joint changes output speed as the operating angle increases, which would feel rough through the wheel at lock. CV joints (Rzeppa outers, tripod-style inners on the Premacy) transmit motion at a constant velocity even at larger angles, giving smooth power delivery while you steer and soak up bumps. That’s why Mazda specifies CV joints on the drive shafts for this platform.

Worth noting: there is a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft (sometimes called a steering knuckle). It’s not part of the engine-to-wheel driveline and isn’t serviced like a tailshaft U-joint on a rear-drive ute. If it wears, the usual fix is to replace the intermediate shaft assembly.

What should owners keep an eye on instead? The CV boots. Split or perished boots let grease fling out and water/dirt creep in, leading to clicking on turns, vibration under load, and eventually a failed joint. During regular servicing (say, every 10,000–15,000 km or at each oil change), a quick visual under the front of the car for torn boots or grease spray around the inner guards pays off. If a boot is damaged, getting it re-booted early can save the joint, if the joint has started clicking, a quality replacement shaft is the go. After any driveshaft work, torque the hub nut to spec and get a wheel alignment checked to keep tyre wear even.

• Technical references used:
  • Mazda Premacy/Mazda5 (CR, 2005–2010) Workshop Manual — Front Axle/Driveshaft section: specifies outer Rzeppa CV and inner tripod CV joints, FWD transaxle layout, no propeller shaft.
  • Haynes Mazda 3 & 5 (2004–2012) Service Manual: front-drive shafts with CV joints, inspection and boot service procedures.
  • Bosch Automotive Handbook (CV joints vs Hooke’s joints): explains non-constant velocity of universal joints at angle and suitability of Rzeppa CV joints for FWD steering angles.

FAQs — 2009 Mazda Premacy universal joints

Does a 2009 Mazda Premacy have driveline universal joints?
Most AU/NZ models are front-wheel drive only and don’t have tailshaft universal joints. They use CV joints on the front drive shafts instead. A U-joint may exist on a prop shaft in certain Japan-market 4WD variants, but those aren’t typical in Australia or New Zealand.

What should be serviced instead of U-joints on a Premacy?
Focus on the front CV joints and boots. Look for torn boots, grease fling inside the wheel arch, clicking on full lock, or vibration under acceleration. Fix a damaged boot early, replace the shaft if the joint is noisy or loose.

Is there a universal joint in the steering column?
Yes, the steering intermediate shaft uses a small U-joint. If you feel notchiness or stiff spots in the steering, that joint could be worn. It’s usually replaced as an assembly rather than lubricated.