Parts for your 2017 Honda Odyssey-Driveshafts

2017 Honda Odyssey driveshafts: what they do and how to look after them

For the 2017 Honda Odyssey, driveshafts are absolutely relevant. Technical references back this up: Honda’s 2017 Odyssey service manual includes a “Front Driveshaft — Removal/Installation” procedure, and Honda’s official parts catalogues list left‑ and right‑hand front driveshaft (CV axle) assemblies for this model. The owner’s/technical specs show the 2017 Odyssey is front‑wheel drive only, so there’s no rear propeller shaft—just the two front CV driveshafts that send engine torque to the wheels while allowing for steering and suspension movement.

Those front driveshafts are the workhorses of the Odyssey’s driveline. Each shaft has constant velocity (CV) joints protected by rubber boots packed with grease. They let the wheels turn and bounce through their travel without losing smooth power delivery. When the boots stay intact and sealed, the joints generally last a very long time, when a boot splits and slings grease, grit gets in and the joint wears quickly.

As part of routine servicing for a 2017 Honda Odyssey, it’s smart to give the driveshafts a quick once‑over. A technician will typically:

• Inspect CV boots for cracks, splits, loose clamps or grease spray around the inner guards or wheel hubs.
• Check for clicking on low‑speed, full‑lock turns (outer CV wear), and vibration on acceleration (inner CV wear).
• Look for seepage at the transaxle seals where the shafts enter the transmission.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for driveshafts, they’re replaced on condition. If a boot is only just torn and the joint’s still quiet with no play, a boot‑only repair can be economical. Once a joint clicks, rumbles, or shows excessive play, a complete shaft assembly is usually the best bet—quicker to fit and reliably refurbished or new.

For replacement on a 2017 Odyssey, quality matters. Go for genuine or reputable aftermarket shafts with the correct ABS tone rings and spline counts. Replace any weeping axle seals at the same time, use fresh high‑moly CV grease where applicable, and ensure the axle nut is properly torqued and staked. After refitting, a brief road test for noise and vibration is essential. With regular inspections at each service (typically every 10,000–15,000 kilometres in local conditions), most owners will find their Odyssey’s driveshafts deliver years of quiet, fuss‑free motoring.

Popular questions about 2017 Honda Odyssey driveshafts

Does the 2017 Honda Odyssey have a rear driveshaft?

No. The 2017 Odyssey is front‑wheel drive only, so it uses two front CV driveshafts and has no rear propeller shaft. That layout is confirmed by Honda’s drivetrain specs and the service manual procedures that focus solely on the front shafts.

How long do the driveshafts typically last on a 2017 Odyssey?

With intact boots and regular inspections, many last well beyond 150,000 kilometres. Premature wear usually comes from torn boots that allow grease out and contaminants in, catching a boot issue early can save the joint and reduce costs.

What are the common signs a 2017 Odyssey driveshaft needs attention?

Grease flung around the wheel area, a rhythmic clicking on full‑lock turns, shudder or vibration on acceleration, or a torn boot are the usual flags. Any of these are a cue to have a technician check the shafts promptly.