Parts for your 2014 Ford Falcon-Universal joints

2014 Ford Falcon universal-joints: what’s fitted and what to service

Short answer, it depends on the body style. Technical sources show the 2014 Falcon sedans (FG MkII and early FG X) use a two-piece tailshaft with constant velocity (CV) joints, a centre support bearing and, depending on spec, a flex disc (giubo) — no traditional cross‑type universal joints. By contrast, the 2014 Falcon Ute runs a conventional tailshaft with serviceable universal joints. This split is documented in Ford’s FG/FG X workshop information (Section 205-01 Propeller/Driveshaft), Ford parts catalogues (Microcat/eCat listings for tailshaft assemblies and CV components on sedans, and U‑joint kits on Ute), and Australian driveline catalogues from Hardy Spicer/Spicer that list CV-equipped sedan shafts and U‑joint–equipped Ute shafts.

Why no universal joints on the sedan? CV joints give smoother torque delivery at bigger operating angles and help reduce NVH, which matters with the ZF 6‑speed and the Falcon’s sedan driveline geometry. They’re sealed and not designed for routine greasing. The Ute keeps hardy, simple universal joints that suit a one‑piece shaft and workhorse duty.

If you’ve got a 2014 Falcon Ute, here’s the lowdown on its universal joints. A universal joint (U‑joint) lets the tailshaft transmit drive while the angles between the gearbox and diff change over bumps and under load. When they wear, they can set off clunks on take‑off, a pulsing vibration at 70–100 km/h, or a chirp/squeak that follows road speed. Rusty dust around the caps or a hot smell after a run can also be tell‑tales.

Good servicing habits go a long way. At each service, check for play by unloading the shaft and feeling for movement at the caps, inspect seals for rust bleed, and look over the yokes for brinelling or flogged-out holes. If your U‑joints are greaseable, give them a quality NLGI 2 lithium complex grease, if they’re sealed, don’t try to force grease in — replace when worn. Always mark the yoke and shaft before removal to keep phasing, support the shaft properly, and press joints with the right tooling so you don’t bell the yokes. New circlips must seat cleanly, if the joint binds after install, re-centre the caps and recheck clip heights. Torque the flange fasteners to spec and road test — if there’s still a buzz, have the tailshaft balanced.

Chasing a driveline shake in a sedan? Skip the “U‑joint” search and start with the front/rear CVs, the flex disc, and the centre bearing — those are the usual suspects on FG/FG X sedans.

• Typical Ute U‑joint symptoms: take‑off clunk, speed‑related vibration, squeak/chirp, rust dust at caps.
• Typical sedan (no U‑joint) culprits: flex disc cracks, centre bearing wear, CV joint play.

References: Ford FG/FG X Workshop Manual (Section 205‑01 Propeller/Driveshaft), Ford Australia parts catalogues (Microcat/eCat), Hardy Spicer Australia driveline catalogues for BA–FG Falcon platforms.

Popular questions about 2014 Ford Falcon universal-joints

Does a 2014 Ford Falcon have universal joints?
For sedans (FG MkII/FG X), no — they use CV joints, a centre bearing and often a flex disc. The 2014 Falcon Ute does have conventional universal joints on its tailshaft, which are serviceable and replaceable.

How often should the universal joints be serviced on a 2014 Falcon Ute?
Give them a look every 20,000–40,000 km or at each scheduled service, especially if the vehicle tows or carries loads. Grease them if they’re the greaseable type, many OE and quality aftermarket U‑joints are sealed, so you simply inspect and replace when wear shows.

What causes driveline shudder on take‑off in a 2014 Falcon?
On sedans, it’s commonly a cracked flex disc, a tired centre bearing, or play in a CV joint. On the Ute, a worn U‑joint or incorrect tailshaft angle is typical. Also check diff bushes and engine/gearbox mounts across both body styles.