Parts for your 2013 Ford Transit-Cv joint

2013 Ford Transit CV joint — what’s fitted and what to service

Based on Ford’s own workshop literature for the Transit VM (2006–2014) and Transit Custom (from 2012), along with Haynes and Autodata service data, a CV joint is absolutely relevant on 2013 front‑wheel‑drive models but not on rear‑wheel‑drive models. The FWD Transit and Transit Custom run front driveshafts with inner tripod and outer Rzeppa‑type CV joints. By contrast, RWD Transits use a live rear axle and a propeller shaft with universal joints (U‑joints), not CV joints. Ford’s parts catalogues for the era list complete driveshaft/CV joint kits for FWD variants, while RWD listings focus on prop shafts and U‑joints. So, if the 2013 Ford Transit in question is FWD (very common in AU/NZ for Transit Custom), it has CV joints, if it’s RWD, CV joints aren’t part of the driveline.

On FWD 2013 Transits, the CV joint lets the front wheels put power down while steering and moving through suspension travel. The outer joint manages big steering angles smoothly, while the inner joint handles plunge as the suspension compresses and rebounds. Kept clean and packed with the right moly grease inside an intact boot, a CV joint will tick along for heaps of kilometres with barely a peep.

Servicing is mostly about inspection. At each service, a quick look for split or oily boots, slung grease on the inner rim, or any play in the joint saves big money later. Catching a torn boot early means a clean, re‑grease and new boot can rescue the joint. Leave it, and road grit chews the bearing tracks, turning quiet motoring into a click‑click on turns and an expensive shaft swap.

When replacement’s on the cards, many workshops fit a complete driveshaft rather than just the joint. It’s faster, cost‑effective, and restores spline and seal contact surfaces in one hit. Always use quality parts, fresh hub nuts and circlips, and torque the axle nut to spec from the Ford manual to protect the wheel bearing. After refitting, check for ABS light faults and road‑test for vibrations under load. A wheel alignment isn’t always necessary, but if the strut or lower arm has been disturbed, it’s smart insurance.

For day‑to‑day care: avoid torn boots by steering clear of debris, don’t ignore early clicking on full lock, and get any vibration under acceleration checked promptly. With sensible servicing, the CV joints on a 2013 FWD Transit can comfortably go the distance.

• Typical symptoms to watch: clicking on turns, shudder under acceleration, grease flung around the inner guard, torn or weeping boots.
• Good practice: inspect boots every service, replace boots at first sign of damage, and use the correct specification grease and clamps.

Which 2013 Ford Transits have CV joints?
FWD models, including the 2013 Transit Custom, have front driveshafts with CV joints. RWD vans use a prop shaft with U‑joints and a live rear axle, so no CV joints in the driveline. If unsure, check the VIN build data or look for front driveshafts behind the hubs.

What are the common signs a CV joint is failing on a 2013 Transit?
Classic signs are a rhythmic clicking on full lock, vibration under load, and grease splatter around the wheel arch from a split boot. Early attention to a damaged boot can save the joint, persistent noise usually means replacement.

Is it safe to drive with a torn CV boot on a 2013 Transit?
It’ll move, but it’s not wise. A torn boot lets grease out and grit in, rapidly wearing the joint. Short trips to the workshop are usually fine, but delaying repair often turns a simple boot job into a full shaft replacement.