Parts for your 2013 Mazda Premacy-Universal joints

2013 Mazda Premacy universal joints — are they actually used?

Short answer: for a typical 2013 Mazda Premacy (Mazda5, CW series) as sold in Australia and New Zealand in front‑wheel drive, universal joints aren’t part of the driveline that owners service. Mazda’s service information for the CW Mazda5/Premacy specifies constant‑velocity (CV) joints on the front drive shafts, not universal (Cardan) joints. This design choice aligns with standard front‑wheel‑drive practice documented in drivetrain texts like the Bosch Automotive Handbook and SAE literature on Rzeppa‑type CV joints.

Why the difference? Universal joints don’t transmit constant rotational speed when operating at an angle, which creates vibration and shudder. CV joints do maintain constant velocity even at large steering and suspension angles, which is exactly what a transverse FWD people‑mover like the Premacy needs. The CW workshop procedures show outer and inner CV joints with boots and grease packs on each front axle, with no serviceable U‑joints in those shafts.

• CV joints handle the big steering/suspension angles without speed fluctuation, preventing torque steer and vibration.
• They’re sealed and greased, minimising maintenance beyond boot inspections.
• Universal joints are typically reserved for prop shafts on rear/4WD layouts, not FWD front axles.

Are there any universal joints on a Premacy at all? Yes, but not where most people mean. The steering intermediate shaft uses a small universal joint to let the column articulate, it can wear or seize if water gets in, but it’s separate from the drive axles. Also, some Japan‑market 4WD Premacy variants exist. Those can have a prop shaft to the rear final drive, which may use U‑joints or CV couplings depending on build. These 4WD imports are uncommon in AU/NZ compared with the mainstream FWD models.

What should owners service instead of “universal joints”? For FWD Premacy models, focus on CV joints and boots: look for split boots, flung grease, and a clicking noise on full lock — that’s classic CV wear. Check the steering intermediate shaft for play, rust binding, or a notchiness in the wheel. If your vehicle is a 4WD import, include the prop shaft joints in inspections and address any vibration under throttle or noticeable driveline clunk.

• Does a 2013 Mazda Premacy have universal joints?
  Most FWD 2013 Premacy models don’t have serviceable driveline U‑joints, they use CV joints on the front axles. There is a small U‑joint in the steering intermediate shaft. Rare JDM 4WD versions may include prop shaft U‑joints.
• What should be serviced instead of U‑joints on a Premacy?
  Inspect CV boots and joints for damage or clicking on turns, and check the steering intermediate shaft U‑joint for play or corrosion. For 4WD imports, also inspect the prop shaft assemblies.
• What are common symptoms of a failing joint on a Premacy?
  Clicking on full lock points to a worn outer CV joint. A clunk or sticky feel in the steering can be the steering U‑joint. Driveline vibration on throttle in a 4WD import may indicate a worn prop shaft joint.