Parts for your 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer-Driveshafts

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer driveshafts

Driveshafts are absolutely relevant on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Lancer Service Manual (2008–2015, Group 26 Front Axle and Driveline, Group 27 Rear Axle/Propeller Shaft for AWD) and the Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS electronic parts catalogue confirm that all FWD Lancer variants use two front CV driveshafts (halfshafts), while Ralliart and Evolution AWD models add a centre propeller shaft to the rear differential plus front and rear halfshafts.

On a 2011 Lancer, the driveshafts transfer engine torque from the transaxle to the wheels. They use constant velocity (CV) joints to keep the power delivery smooth while the suspension moves and the wheels steer. When the CV boots stay intact and the grease is clean, they’ll run quietly for years, once a boot splits and dirt gets in, wear ramps up quickly and you’ll hear that classic clicking on turns or feel a shudder on throttle.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to eyeball the CV boots at every service or at least every 10,000–15,000 km. Look for split rubber, weeping grease thrown around the inner guard, loose clamps, or rust-coloured grease. Catching a torn boot early can save the shaft: many can be re-booted and re-greased before the joint is damaged.

• Common symptoms: clicking while turning, vibration under load, thumps on take-off, or a grease mess near the hub or gearbox.
• FWD Lancers: inspect both front shafts and the intermediate shaft support bearing (where fitted).
• Ralliart/Evo: also check the centre prop shaft, centre bearing, couplings, and rear CVs.

When replacement is needed, go for quality shafts that match the VIN/spec. Swap the axle nut for a new one, torque it to spec and stake it correctly. Keep the splines and seals clean, and don’t lever against the ABS tone ring. It’s normal to lose a little transaxle or transfer oil during removal—top up and check for leaks once it’s back together. A wheel alignment check is a good shout if the strut-to-knuckle bolts were loosened. After the job, road test for vibration and recheck the hub nut torque after a short run.

Well-fitted driveshafts keep the Lancer feeling tight, quiet and predictable—no shakes, no clunks, just smooth power down to the tyres.

Popular questions

How can someone tell if a 2011 Lancer’s driveshaft or CV joint is failing?

Most owners first notice a rhythmic clicking while turning at low speed, especially on full lock, or a vibration that shows up under acceleration and fades when coasting. Grease sprayed around the inner wheel arch or onto the gearbox is another giveaway that a CV boot has split. If ignored, the noise usually gets louder and the vibration can start to feel like a wheel balance issue.

Do all 2011 Lancers have a centre propeller shaft?

No. Only AWD variants (Ralliart and Evolution) have a centre propeller shaft to the rear diff. Regular FWD models use two front CV driveshafts only. This setup is confirmed by the Mitsubishi service manual and the ASA parts catalogue for the 2011 model year.

How often should the CV boots be checked, and is an alignment needed after driveshaft work?

Have the boots inspected at each service or at least every 10,000–15,000 km. If a drive shaft is removed and the strut-to-knuckle bolts are disturbed, a wheel alignment check is recommended. If only the shaft is slid out and refitted without altering suspension geometry, alignment is usually unchanged.