Parts for your 2017 Honda Civic-Universal joints

2017 Honda Civic universal joints: are they actually used?

Short answer: universal joints aren’t a serviceable driveline part on the 2017 Honda Civic. The 10th‑gen Civic is front‑wheel drive and uses constant‑velocity (CV) joints on its front driveshafts, not prop‑shaft U‑joints. Technical sources that describe the Civic’s layout and servicing back this up, including the Honda Civic (2016–2021) Service/Workshop Manual (Driveline/Axle section outlines inboard/outboard CV joints only), the Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue for 2017 Civic (lists front axles with CV joints and no propeller shaft U‑joints), and common aftermarket manuals (e.g., Haynes) that cover CV joints and boots, with no procedure for driveline U‑joint replacement on this model. The only “U‑joint‑like” item present is the small steering intermediate shaft joint, which isn’t part of the driveline and is generally replaced as an assembly if worn.

Why no universal joints? With a transverse engine and FWD, the Civic doesn’t have a long rear propeller shaft where U‑joints are typically used. It relies on CV joints to transmit drive smoothly while the front wheels steer and move through suspension travel. CV joints maintain constant rotational velocity at greater operating angles, which keeps vibration down and improves NVH—ideal for a light FWD hatch or sedan used on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

What should an owner or tech focus on instead of U‑joints? Look to the front CV boots and joints for wear and grease leaks, listen for clicking on tight turns (outer CV), check for shudder on take‑off (inner CV), and keep an eye on related hardware like wheel bearings, lower control arm bushes and ball joints, tie‑rod ends, and stabiliser links. If there’s a clunk felt through the steering column, the intermediate shaft joint can be inspected, but again, it’s not the same thing as a traditional driveshaft U‑joint.

• FWD layout: no rear prop shaft, so no driveline U‑joints.
• CV joints chosen for smooth power delivery at larger steering/suspension angles.
• Steering intermediate shaft has a small joint, it’s not a routine service item.

Technical references used to reach this finding include: Honda Civic (2016–2021) Service/Workshop Manual – Driveline/Axle and Steering sections, Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue for 2017 Civic variants, and aftermarket repair manuals that detail CV joint service but list no driveline U‑joint procedures for this model.

Popular questions about 2017 Honda Civic universal joints

Does a 2017 Honda Civic have universal joints in the driveline?
No. The 2017 Civic uses front CV joints on its driveshafts, not prop‑shaft U‑joints. It’s a FWD platform, so there’s no rear driveshaft where U‑joints would normally live. There is a small steering intermediate shaft joint, but that’s part of the steering column rather than the driveline.

What should be inspected instead of U‑joints on a 2017 Civic?
Check the front CV boots and joints for splits and grease fling, listen for clicking while turning, and feel for shudder under load. Also inspect wheel bearings, lower control arm bushes and ball joints, tie‑rod ends, and stabiliser links. A clunk at the column can point to the steering intermediate shaft joint.

Can a worn CV joint feel like a failed U‑joint?
It can present similar driveline symptoms. On the Civic, clicking on full lock usually points to an outer CV joint, while vibration on acceleration can indicate an inner CV issue. Unlike U‑joints, CV joints are designed for big steering angles, but once the boot fails and grease escapes, wear accelerates quickly.