Parts for your 2012 Ford Falcon-Universal joints

2012 Ford Falcon universal joints — are they actually used?

Short answer: on a 2012 Ford Falcon FG MkII sedan, traditional serviceable universal joints aren’t fitted to the factory tailshaft. The driveline uses a two-piece prop shaft with a front flexible coupling (giubo), a centre support bearing, and a rear constant-velocity (CV) joint. This layout is documented in the Ford FG Falcon Workshop Manual (Section 205-01 Driveline/Propeller Shaft), Hardy Spicer technical notes for BA–FG two-piece tailshafts, and the Gregory’s/Haynes Ford Falcon BA–FG manual, all of which describe the front flex coupling and rear CV joint rather than Hooke-type uni joints.

Why no uni joints? Ford engineered the FG platform for lower noise, vibration and harshness, smoother torque delivery with the ZF six-speed auto and late-model manuals, and better control of shaft angles. A CV joint keeps rotational speed constant through changing angles, and the rubber flex disc soaks up shock loads and driveline shunt. That combo delivers the calm, refined feel these cars are known for, while also being largely maintenance-free compared with greasable universal joints.

So if someone’s chasing a “universal joint” for a 2012 Falcon because of a vibration or clunk, the usual suspects to check are:

• Front flexible coupling (giubo) — cracks, separation, or perished rubber
• Centre support bearing — rumble, sag or excessive play
• Rear CV joint — clicking, binding, or vibration under load

Servicing tips: inspect these parts during routine servicing or any time a vibration, thud on take-off, or driveline shudder shows up. Look for torn rubber, red dust from fretting, play at the CV, and any tailshaft imbalance. Replace worn components as matched kits, use new bolts, align marks before removal, and torque to spec to keep the shaft true. A quick check every 20,000–30,000 kilometres saves bigger headaches later.

Note for utes: some Falcon ute configurations differ from sedans. Always verify by VIN/build plate. However, the 2012 FG MkII sedan range uses the CV-and-flex-disc setup and does not have serviceable universal joints.

Technical references: Ford FG Falcon Workshop Manual (Section 205-01 Driveline/Propeller Shaft), Hardy Spicer technical bulletin on Ford BA–FG two-piece tailshafts, Gregory’s/Haynes Ford Falcon BA–FG (2002–2014) workshop manual — all identify the flexible coupling, centre bearing and rear CV joint arrangement rather than traditional uni joints.

FAQs

Does a 2012 Ford Falcon have universal joints?

No, not on FG MkII sedans. They run a two-piece tailshaft with a front flexible coupling (giubo), a centre support bearing, and a rear CV joint. If someone’s hearing knocks or feeling vibration, they should check those three components rather than hunting for a greasable uni joint.

What usually causes driveline vibration if it’s not a uni joint?

The big three are a cracked or delaminated flex disc, a tired centre bearing, or a worn rear CV joint. Also worth a look: diff bushes and engine/gearbox mounts. Any play, torn rubber, or roughness when turning the joint by hand usually points to the culprit.

Can universal joints be retrofitted to an FG Falcon?

It’s not recommended for street use. The factory CV-plus-flex-disc setup manages NVH and shaft angles well. Swapping to a uni-joint tailshaft would need custom parts, re-balancing, and potentially engineering approval, and it often introduces more noise and vibration. It’s better to repair with OE-style components.