Parts for your 2017 Ford Fiesta-Universal joints

2017 Ford Fiesta universal joints — are they used?

Short answer: a traditional driveshaft universal joint isn’t a thing on a 2017 Ford Fiesta. According to Ford service information for the 2017 Fiesta (WSM/ETIS) and common technical references like Autodata and the Haynes workshop manual, this model is front‑wheel drive with a transverse engine, uses CV (constant velocity) joints on the front halfshafts, and has no rear propeller shaft. That means no greaseable, cross‑type driveline U‑joints to replace.

Why’s that the case? On a FWD hatch like the Fiesta, the front wheels steer and move up and down, so the shafts need to transmit power smoothly at big angles. A single‑cardan U‑joint causes speed fluctuation at an angle (classic “non‑constant velocity” behaviour), which would feel rough through the wheel and cause vibration. CV joints fix that by keeping output speed constant, so the Fiesta gets CVs at both ends of each front driveshaft. Out back, the Fiesta runs a torsion‑beam rear suspension with no rear diff or tailshaft, so there’s nowhere for a prop‑shaft U‑joint to live.

There is a small caveat: the steering column’s intermediate shaft typically uses compact universal joints to couple the column to the rack. Ford’s workshop material lists this as an assembly, not a serviceable cross joint. If there’s notchiness in the steering, surface rust, or play felt through the wheel, the fix is to replace the intermediate shaft, not to grease or rebuild a U‑joint.

So, while “universal joints” come up in parts searches, they’re not a relevant driveline service item for a 2017 Fiesta. For anyone chasing drivetrain maintenance, the smart checks are the front CV boots for splits or grease sling, clicking on full lock (outer CV wear), and vibration on acceleration (inner CV wear). Keep the boots intact and the CVs usually run happily for hundreds of thousands of kilometres in Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

• Technical basis: Ford Fiesta 2017 workshop/service information (WSM/ETIS), Autodata drivetrain specs, and Haynes Fiesta service manual outlining FWD layout with CV halfshafts and no propeller shaft.

Popular questions

Does a 2017 Ford Fiesta have universal joints?
Not on the driveline. It uses CV joints on the front halfshafts and has no rear prop shaft. There’s a universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft, but it’s part of the assembly and isn’t serviced as a separate U‑joint.

What joints are on the front driveshafts, and how are they serviced?
The Fiesta uses CV joints with rubber boots at both ends of each front driveshaft. During servicing, check boots for splits and grease leaks, and listen for clicking on turns. Replace the affected CV or complete shaft if worn, the joints aren’t greaseable in‑situ.

Can a prop‑shaft U‑joint kit fit a 2017 Fiesta?
No. The car doesn’t have a propeller shaft, so cross‑type U‑joint kits don’t apply. If you’re chasing a clunk or vibration, inspect CV joints, engine/trans mounts, wheels and tyres, and the steering intermediate shaft instead.