Parts for your 2011 Ford Transit-Cv joint

2011 Ford Transit CV joint — what it is and whether this van has one

Based on Ford’s factory workshop material for the V347/V348 Transit (2006–2013) and common parts catalogues used across AU/NZ service departments, the 2011 Ford Transit uses constant velocity (CV) joints on front-wheel-drive variants (front drive halfshafts with inner and outer CV joints). Rear-wheel-drive Transits of the same year do not have front CV joints because the front wheels aren’t driven, those models use a prop shaft with universal joints to a live rear axle. This layout is also described in the Haynes Ford Transit Diesel (2006–2013) manual and Ford Microcat parts listings for the period.

Where a 2011 Ford Transit is front-wheel drive, the CV joint is a key driveline part. It lets the front wheels steer and move with the suspension while putting power to the road smoothly. Each front driveshaft carries an inner plunge joint for suspension travel and an outer joint for steering angle, so the van accelerates and turns without shuddering. When the boots stay intact and full of the correct moly grease, these joints usually run quietly for ages.

As part of regular servicing, a quick visual check of the CV boots pays off. If there’s grease sprayed inside a wheel or along the control arm, a boot is likely split. Dirt then gets in, grease gets out, and the joint can wear fast. Catch it early and a boot-and-grease refresh can save the joint, leave it too long and replacement is the smarter move. Many workshops fit a complete driveshaft (shaft plus both joints) on higher‑kilometre vans for reliability, but quality stand‑alone joints are also available.

• Common signs it’s time: clicking or knocking on full lock, a rhythmic vibration on throttle, or visible grease leakage from a torn boot.
• Service tips: inspect boots every service, clean and re‑grease if a boot has wept, and use the correct spec boot and high‑moly CV grease. Always replace single‑use hub nuts and seals, keep the ABS tone ring clean, and torque fasteners to spec.

Replacement on these vans is straightforward for an experienced tech: separate the lower arm, ease the outer joint from the hub, pop the inner joint from the transaxle, then refit with new clips, fresh grease, and the right seals. It’s worth checking the wheel bearing and lower ball joint while everything’s apart. After refitting, a short test drive and a recheck for weeps or odd noises keeps the Transit ready for the next run up the motorway.

Popular questions about 2011 Ford Transit CV joints

Does every 2011 Ford Transit have CV joints?
FWD models do, with inner and outer joints on each front driveshaft. RWD models don’t use front CV joints because the front wheels aren’t driven, they run a prop shaft with universal joints to the rear axle. Unsure which you’ve got? If there are drive shafts from the gearbox to the front wheels, it’s FWD with CV joints.

How long should the CV joints last?
With intact boots and proper grease, they often go well past 150,000 km. Harsh loads, torn boots, frequent full‑lock manoeuvres under power, and rough roads can shorten life. Regular boot checks at each service help them last.

Is it safe to drive with a clicking CV joint?
It’ll usually drive for a while, but clicking means wear is underway. If a boot is split and grease has flung out, failure can accelerate quickly. Best to book it in soon to avoid a joint letting go and stranding the van.