Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Asx-Universal joints

2017 Mitsubishi ASX universal-joints: what they do and when to service them

Technical documentation confirms universal-joints are used on 2017 Mitsubishi ASX models with AWD, but not on 2WD. The Mitsubishi Motors Factory Service Manual for ASX/RVR (GA2W/GA4W) in the Propeller Shaft (Group 22A) section specifies a propeller shaft with cardan universal joints and a centre support bearing on AWD variants, with the universal-joints supplied as part of the shaft assembly. The Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue likewise lists the propeller shaft as a complete unit with no separate U-joint part number. Front-wheel-drive ASX models have no prop shaft, so they rely on CV joints at the front only and do not use universal-joints in the driveline.

On AWD 2017 ASX models, universal-joints sit at either end of the propeller shaft to let the shaft follow small angle changes as the body and rear diff move. Their job is to keep torque flowing smoothly from the transaxle to the rear differential without binding, which keeps vibration down and makes the car feel settled on the road or the track.

The factory-fitted universal-joints on ASX AWD are sealed and non-greasable, and in most cases are staked into the prop shaft. That means regular “maintenance” is really about inspection rather than lubrication. As part of routine servicing, a tech should check for play and roughness in the joints, and look over the centre bearing and flanges. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—think beach trips, corrugations, or plenty of rain—grit and corrosion can hasten wear, so periodic checks matter.

• Common symptoms of worn universal-joints:
  • A dull clunk on take-off or when shifting from reverse to drive
  • A steady-speed vibration (often 60–100 km/h) that doesn’t match tyre balance issues
  • Shudder under load, rust-coloured dust near the bearing cups, or visible free play

When wear shows up, replacement on this model generally means swapping the complete propeller shaft assembly. A proper job involves marking the flanges before removal to preserve orientation, supporting the shaft, removing heat shields, unbolting the rear and front flanges, dropping the centre bearing, then refitting the new assembly with new hardware where specified. Bolts should be torqued to the factory spec and the vehicle road-tested for any residual vibration.

• Good servicing habits:
  • Inspect the prop shaft, universal-joints and centre bearing at regular services (about every 15,000–20,000 km)
  • After beach driving, rinse the underbody to minimise salt-related corrosion
  • If vibration appears after unrelated work, recheck flange alignment and mounting torques

Because the ASX’s universal-joints are not sold separately in most catalogues, many workshops will fit a complete shaft. Specialist driveline shops can sometimes rebuild staked joints, but that’s outside standard factory procedure. Either way, catching wear early saves the rest of the driveline from copping it.

FAQs

Do all 2017 ASX models have universal-joints?
No. Only AWD (4WD) variants use universal-joints on the propeller shaft. 2WD models have no prop shaft and rely on front CV joints only.

How often should universal-joints be replaced on a 2017 ASX?
There’s no set interval. They’re sealed units, so the focus is on inspection at each service. Replace the prop shaft assembly if there’s play, roughness, or vibration traced to the joints.

Can the universal-joints be greased or replaced on their own?
From the factory they’re sealed and typically staked into the shaft, so there are no grease nipples and the joints aren’t supplied separately. Many workshops fit a complete shaft, some driveline specialists can rebuild, but that’s not a factory-specified repair.