Parts for your 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer-Universal joints

Universal Joints on the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer, the topic of universal joints might get a bit confusing. Are universal joints actually used in this car? The short answer is no, at least not in the way you might expect if you're thinking about traditional rear-wheel-drive setups or trucks with solid rear axles.

The Mitsubishi Lancer from 2015 is primarily a front-wheel-drive vehicle, with many models powered by a transverse-mounted engine linked directly to the front wheels through a transaxle. In this layout, the need for universal joints on the driveshafts is significantly reduced or completely avoided.

Here's why universal joints are not really relevant to the 2015 Lancer. Universal joints, often called U-joints, are mechanical components designed to allow rotational power to be transferred between shafts that are at an angle to one another. They're commonly found in rear-wheel-drive cars with a driveshaft running from the transmission to the rear differential. Because the driveline moves with the suspension, universal joints accommodate the changes in angles and movement.

Now, the Lancer's front-wheel-drive setup doesn't require a long driveshaft running the length of the car to the rear wheels. Instead, power goes straight from the engine to the front wheels through a constant velocity (CV) joint-equipped half-shaft. CV joints serve a similar purpose to universal joints but are far better suited for front-wheel-drive vehicles. These CV joints allow the front wheels to turn left and right for steering and to move up and down with the suspension, all while transmitting power smoothly.

Simply put, the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer doesn't use universal joints because its drivetrain layout makes them unnecessary. Instead, it relies on CV joints, which perform the required function of allowing flexible movement while delivering power to the wheels. This is especially suited to vehicles like the Lancer where the wheels have to steer and accommodate suspension travel independently.

For Mitsubishi Lancer owners, understanding this can help when it comes to maintenance and servicing. While universal joints won't be part of your routine checks, CV joints and their protective boots should be regularly inspected. If a CV boot tears or leaks grease, dirt and water can get into the joint and cause it to wear prematurely, showing up as clicking noises or vibration when turning.

Regular servicing that includes inspecting the CV joints and their boots, along with listening for any abnormal noises during cornering, can keep your Mitsubishi Lancer running smoothly. Most universal joint issues in cars happen in older rear-wheel or four-wheel-drive setups where these components are standard. So for Lancer drivers, the focus is on keeping those CV joints in good nick instead.

In essence, the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer's design is tailored around front-wheel drive technology, swapping out universal joints for CV joints to meet the car's functional needs. This helps maintain a smooth ride and simplified maintenance for everyday drivers in Australia and beyond.