Parts for your 2012 Mazda Premacy-Universal joints

2012 Mazda Premacy universal joints — what’s actually on the car?

For a 2012 Mazda Premacy (Mazda5, CW series), a traditional driveline universal joint isn’t a service item because the vehicle is front‑wheel drive and uses constant‑velocity (CV) joints on its front axles. The Mazda Premacy/Mazda5 CW workshop manual’s Drive Shaft section specifies inboard tripod and outboard Rzeppa CV joints, and there’s no propeller shaft or rear differential listed for 2WD models — so there’s no place for classic U‑joints in the driveline. This aligns with standard front‑wheel‑drive design practice in automotive engineering texts: FWD cars route power through CV joints to maintain constant rotational speed at steering and suspension angles, something a single U‑joint can’t do without speed fluctuation.

Put simply, on the common AU/NZ 2012 Premacy imports (2WD), “universal joints” aren’t the right part to look for in the driveline. There is, however, a small U‑joint in the steering intermediate shaft — that’s unrelated to the engine-to-wheel power delivery and is not what most people mean by universal joints in this context.

• CV joints are used because they keep wheel speed constant at all angles, critical for FWD steering and suspension movement.
• U‑joints are typically used on longitudinal propeller shafts (rear- or all‑wheel drive) in matched pairs to cancel speed pulsation — a layout the 2WD Premacy doesn’t have.
• No prop shaft and no rear diff on 2WD Premacy means no driveline U‑joints to service.

What should owners and techs focus on instead? Inspect the CV boots for splits, sweating, or thrown grease, especially the outboard boots near the wheel hubs. Clicking on tight turns, shudder on take‑off, or visible grease around the inner guards are classic signs the CVs need attention. Replacing a split boot early can save a whole joint. During routine servicing, also check the steering intermediate shaft for free play or notchiness (that little U‑joint), but it’s rarely an issue unless water or road grime has got in.

Note: Some Japan‑market Premacy variants were available with 4WD. Those cars have a propeller shaft and can use U‑joints. If your vehicle has a rear differential and a centre prop shaft, treat it as the 4WD case. Most AU/NZ vehicles on the road, however, are 2WD and don’t use driveline U‑joints.

Does a 2012 Mazda Premacy have universal joints?

On 2WD models common in Australia and New Zealand, no — the driveline uses CV joints, not U‑joints. The only U‑joint you might encounter is in the steering intermediate shaft, which is separate from the power delivery system.

How can I tell if my Premacy is 4WD and might have U‑joints?

Look underneath: a 4WD will have a propeller shaft running to a rear differential. Your build plate, owner’s handbook, or a VIN data check can also confirm the drivetrain. If there’s no rear diff, it’s 2WD and there are no driveline U‑joints.

What should be serviced instead of U‑joints on a 2WD Premacy?

Keep an eye on the CV boots and joints. Inspect for splits, leaks, and clicking on full lock. Also check the steering intermediate shaft for play. Addressing boot damage early prevents costly CV replacement.