Parts for your 2016 Honda Accord-Universal joints

2016 Honda Accord universal joints — do they actually exist on this model?

Short answer: for the 2016 Honda Accord sold in Australia and New Zealand, universal joints aren’t part of the driveline. Honda’s factory literature for the 2013–2017 Accord generation specifies a front‑wheel‑drive layout using constant velocity (CV) half‑shafts, not a rear propeller shaft with U‑joints. The Honda Accord Service Manual (Driveline/Axle, Front Driveshaft) details Rzeppa‑type CV joints and boots at each front half‑shaft, and the Honda electronic parts catalogue for this model lists no driveshaft universal joints. The only place a small “universal” style joint appears is in the steering intermediate shaft, which isn’t what most people mean when they search for driveline U‑joints.

Why no universal joints? In a front‑wheel‑drive package like the 2016 Accord, power goes from the transaxle straight to the front wheels via CV joints. CV joints maintain constant rotational speed through larger steering and suspension angles, keeping things smooth and quiet. A single cardan universal joint, by contrast, introduces speed fluctuation unless paired as a double‑cardan, which is why U‑joints are common on rear propeller shafts in utes and 4x4s but not on FWD sedans.

If an owner is chasing a clunk, vibration, or clicking and thinking “U‑joints”, on this Accord the usual suspects are different: worn inner or outer CV joints, torn CV boots that have let grease escape, a tired engine or transmission mount, or a worn intermediate shaft support bearing (where fitted). The steering intermediate shaft U‑joint can also bind with age or corrosion, but that shows up as notchiness or stiffness when turning the wheel rather than a driveline thump.

What should be serviced instead of U‑joints?

• Inspect CV boots at each service interval, if a boot is split or flinging grease, sort it early before the joint wears out.
• Listen for clicking on full lock (outer CV) or shudder on take‑off (inner CV) as early warning signs.
• Check front wheel bearings and engine/trans mounts if there’s vibration under load.
• If steering feels sticky or notchy near centre, have the steering intermediate shaft and its small joint checked.

Technical references: Honda Accord 2013–2017 Service Manual (Driveline/Axle – Front Driveshaft), Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue for 2016 Accord (no propeller shaft or driveline U‑joints listed), Owner’s Manual drivetrain overview (front‑wheel drive).

Popular questions

Does a 2016 Honda Accord have universal joints in the drivetrain?
No. It’s a front‑wheel‑drive setup with CV half‑shafts, so there are no rear prop shafts or driveline U‑joints. The only “universal” style joint you’ll find is in the steering intermediate shaft, which is separate from the driveline.

What noises point to CV joints rather than U‑joints on this Accord?
Clicking on tight turns usually points to an outer CV joint. A shudder or vibration on acceleration can indicate an inner CV joint or a mount issue. A notchy or stiff steering feel is more in line with a worn steering intermediate shaft joint.

What should be maintained instead of U‑joints on a 2016 Accord?
Keep an eye on CV boots and replace them if split, address any grease leaks quickly, and check mounts and wheel bearings if there’s vibration. The steering shaft joint isn’t a routine service item, but if steering effort changes, have it inspected.