Parts for your 2017 Ford Escape-Universal joints

2017 Ford Escape universal-joints — are they actually used?

Short answer: for the driveline, no. On the 2017 Ford Escape (called Kuga in some markets), the front and rear drive systems use constant velocity (CV) joints, not traditional universal joints (U-joints). This is documented in the Ford Workshop Manual for the model year, where the front and rear halfshafts are specified as CV-jointed assemblies, and the AWD propeller shaft is shown with CV joints at its flanged ends and a centre support bearing. Ford and Motorcraft parts catalogues list complete CV-type propeller shafts and halfshafts for this vehicle and do not offer replaceable driveline U-joint kits for the Escape.

Why the difference? The Escape is a transverse, FWD-based platform where smoothness and NVH control are a priority. CV joints transmit torque at greater angles without the speed fluctuation inherent to U-joints, which helps with refinement under steering and suspension movement, and suits the packaging of a modern compact SUV. That’s why service procedures in the workshop manual refer to CV joint flange bolts and boot clamps rather than U-joint yokes and bearing caps.

It’s worth noting there is a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft, but that’s a steering component, not a driveline tailshaft U-joint. If someone’s chasing a “universal joint” for a 2017 Escape because of vibration or clunks, the usual suspects are:

• AWD propeller shaft CV joints or centre support bearing wear
• Front or rear halfshaft CV joints/boots
• Engine/trans mounts or suspension bushings

Servicing advice for owners: keep an eye out for torn CV boots, grease sling around joints, rumbling at speed, or shudder under load. Sealed CV joints aren’t greased as part of routine servicing, once a joint is noisy or the boot is compromised, replacement of the affected shaft or propeller shaft assembly is the usual fix. For AWD models, also check the PTU and rear drive unit for leaks and the prop shaft centre bearing for play. Using VIN-based parts lookup will help avoid miscatalogued “U-joint” listings and get the correct CV-equipped assemblies for a tidy, lasting repair.

• Does a 2017 Ford Escape have universal joints in the driveline?
• What joints are on the AWD propeller shaft, and how should they be maintained?
• Can driveline U-joints be replaced individually on a 2017 Escape?

Does a 2017 Ford Escape have universal joints in the driveline?
No. The driveline uses CV joints on the front and rear halfshafts and CV joints at each end of the AWD propeller shaft. Ford’s workshop procedures and parts listings back this up. A universal joint does exist in the steering intermediate shaft, but that’s unrelated to the driveline.

What joints are on the AWD propeller shaft, and how should they be maintained?
The AWD prop shaft has CV joints at both ends and a centre support bearing. They’re sealed, so there’s no greasing during routine servicing. Inspect for torn boots, grease fling, vibration, or play at the centre bearing, replace the shaft assembly if wear is found.

Can driveline U-joints be replaced individually on a 2017 Escape?
No. There aren’t serviceable driveline U-joints on this model. If you see “U-joint” in a catalogue, it’s often the steering shaft joint or a mislabelled part. For driveline issues, you’ll be replacing CV-jointed halfshafts or the CV-type propeller shaft assembly.