Parts for your 2017 Honda Accord-Universal joints

2017 Honda Accord universal joints: are they used?

Based on Honda factory service information for the 2013–2017 Accord (Driveline/Axle sections) and the Honda electronic parts catalogue for the 2017 model year, a traditional driveline universal joint (U‑joint) is not used on this vehicle’s powertrain. The Accord is front‑wheel drive, so it uses front half‑shafts with inboard and outboard constant‑velocity (CV) joints instead of a tailshaft with U‑joints. Technical texts on driveline design, such as the Bosch Automotive Handbook and SAE driveline fundamentals, note that FWD layouts rely on Rzeppa‑type CV joints to transmit torque smoothly through large steering and suspension angles where a single cardan U‑joint would create speed fluctuations and vibration.

That’s the key reason a classic prop‑shaft U‑joint isn’t relevant to a 2017 Honda Accord: the car has no rear propeller shaft. CV joints handle the big steering angles at the front hubs while keeping rotational velocity constant, which prevents shudder and torque ripple through the wheel. U‑joints are more at home on rear‑wheel drive utes, 4WDs, and vehicles with a long tailshaft, not a transverse FWD sedan like the Accord.

It’s worth noting there is a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft on many modern cars, the Accord included. That joint lets the steering column change angle between the wheel and the rack. However, it’s a separate steering component, not part of the drivetrain, and typically isn’t a routine service item. If neglected or corroded, it can cause notchy or stiff steering and a light clunk through the column, at which point the intermediate shaft assembly is usually replaced rather than the joint being serviced individually.

If someone’s chasing a clicking noise on turns, grease fling inside a wheel, or vibration under load in a 2017 Accord, the likely suspects are the front CV joints or their boots—not a U‑joint. Regular inspections during servicing should focus on:

• CV boots: look for splits, grease leaks, or perished rubber.
• CV joints: listen for clicking on full lock and feel for shudder on acceleration.
• Steering intermediate shaft: check for rust, binding, or play if steering feel is notchy.

Stick to quality replacement axles or joint/boot kits when needed, torque fasteners to spec, and get a proper wheel alignment after any front‑end work. That’ll keep the Accord tracking straight and quiet for many more kilometres.

Popular questions about 2017 Honda Accord universal joints

Does a 2017 Honda Accord have universal joints in the drivetrain?
Not in the driveline. The 2017 Accord is front‑wheel drive and uses CV joints on the front half‑shafts. There’s no rear propeller shaft with U‑joints. A small universal joint does exist in the steering intermediate shaft, but that’s a steering part, not a driveline U‑joint.

What replaces U‑joints on a 2017 Accord’s front end?
Constant‑velocity joints. Each front driveshaft has an inboard and an outboard CV joint that deliver smooth torque through suspension travel and steering angles. They’re protected by rubber boots that should be inspected at service intervals for splits or leaks.

How can they tell if the steering U‑joint is worn on a 2017 Accord?
Typical signs are notchy or stiff steering, a faint clunk when turning the wheel, or the wheel not self‑centring smoothly. If rust or binding is found at the intermediate shaft joint, the fix is usually replacing the intermediate shaft assembly rather than lubricating the joint.