Parts for your 2017 Mazda Cx-5-Universal joints

Universal Joints and the 2017 Mazda CX-5: What You Need to Know

When looking into the drivetrain of the 2017 Mazda CX-5, it's clear that universal joints, or U-joints, are not typically used in this vehicle. This is mainly due to the drivetrain layout and modern engineering choices Mazda has made for this model. Understanding why universal joints are absent and what this means for your CX-5 can help owners better appreciate the design and maintenance requirements of their car.

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 is primarily offered with front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. In these configurations, the vehicle employs constant velocity (CV) joints rather than traditional universal joints to transmit power from the transmission to the wheels. CV joints are designed to handle the varying angles and movements of front-wheel drive setups more smoothly and efficiently than U-joints.

Universal joints are commonly found in rear-wheel drive vehicles with a propeller shaft connecting the transmission to the rear differential. They allow the shaft to flex and move with the suspension while still transmitting rotational power. However, because the CX-5 uses a transaxle system mounted at the front that combines the transmission and differential, and sends power directly to the front wheels, the need for U-joints is eliminated. Instead, CV joints are used on the drive shafts, providing better durability and smoother operation at the sharper angles encountered in front-wheel and AWD designs.

So, if universal joints are not part of the 2017 Mazda CX-5's drivetrain, what does that mean for owners when it comes to servicing and maintenance?

While you won't have universal joints to worry about, it's still important to keep an eye on the CV joints and their protective boots. The CV joint boots are flexible rubber covers that keep grease in and dirt out. When these boots crack or tear, dirt and moisture can get inside, leading to joint wear and eventual failure. Regular inspections of these boots during servicing can help prevent costly repairs down the road. If a boot is damaged, it's best to replace it as soon as possible or, in some cases, replace the entire CV joint assembly if significant damage has occurred.

Unlike U-joints, which can sometimes be greased through a zerk fitting to extend their life, CV joints are generally sealed and considered maintenance-free under normal conditions. However, the condition of their boots and overall drive shaft health should always be checked during routine servicing intervals. Mazda's service schedule for the CX-5 will typically include a check of these components.

For those who might be used to working on rear-wheel drive vehicles where universal joints are commonplace, it can be helpful to understand that the CV joints in the CX-5 serve a broadly similar purpose but are designed specifically for the vehicle's front-wheel or AWD setup. This modern design offers smoother, quieter operation and fewer maintenance points compared to older U-joint based drivetrains.

In practice, CX-5 owners are less likely to ever encounter issues with universal joints simply because the vehicle does not use them. Instead, attention should be paid to the overall condition of the drive shafts, especially after heavy use or exposure to rough terrain, which can accelerate wear or damage. A common sign of CV joint wear is a clicking or popping noise when making turns, which is a good prompt to have the vehicle inspected.

For anyone servicing their 2017 Mazda CX-5, it's worth relying on genuine parts and Mazda-approved service procedures to ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle's drivetrain. While universal joints won't be part of this process, taking care of the parts that are used, like CV joints and their boots, is crucial to keeping the car running smoothly.

So to sum things up, universal joints simply aren't relevant or used in the 2017 Mazda CX-5. That's due to the FWD/AWD platform and the use of CV joints better suited to the front drive configurations. Keeping an eye on CV joints and their protective boots during regular servicing is the best way to maintain the drivetrain and avoid unexpected issues on the road. It's just another example of how vehicle design evolves over time and how different parts serve different roles depending on layout and technology choices.