Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Universal joints

Universal Joints and the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: What You Need to Know

The 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a modern compact SUV designed with efficiency, comfort, and performance in mind. When it comes to its drivetrain components, one common question that pops up is whether universal joints, or U-joints, form part of this vehicle's mechanical setup. After referencing technical manuals, repair guides, and vehicle schematics, it's clear that the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross does not employ universal joints in its drivetrain.

So why exactly are universal joints not used on this model? The answer lies in the design choices Mitsubishi made to optimise the vehicle's drive system. The Eclipse Cross primarily uses a front-wheel-drive layout with available all-wheel drive, relying on constant velocity (CV) joints rather than universal joints. CV joints are preferred in modern front and all-wheel-drive vehicles because they handle steering angles and suspension movements more smoothly while maintaining consistent power delivery. Unlike universal joints, CV joints are designed to keep torque transfer steady even through tight turns and varying suspension geometry, which makes them ideal for SUVs like the Eclipse Cross.

Universal joints are traditionally found in rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles where power is transferred via a driveshaft that can have varying angles between components. They allow for the transmission of rotary motion between shafts that are not in a straight line. This is especially useful in older or heavier trucks, rear-drive cars, or 4WDs with solid rear axles. However, the Eclipse Cross's drivetrain configuration does not necessitate or benefit from U-joints, as the power delivery system uses CV joints and other components better suited to the vehicle's modern design.

In simple terms, universal joints are absent because the Eclipse Cross's drivetrain does not have the same angular shaft requirements you'd see in traditional rear-wheel or off-road vehicles. Instead, it benefits from the smoother operation and durability of CV joints, which are better at handling the front axle's steering and the SUV's winding road work. This design choice means owners don't have to worry about universal joint maintenance or replacement but should focus on CV joint health as part of regular servicing.

For those curious about what universal joints are and why they remain important in some vehicles, here's a quick rundown. A universal joint is a flexible coupling that joins two rotating shafts at an angle to each other. The main purpose is to transmit torque and rotational motion while accommodating movement or misalignment between shafts. You can find them in the driveshafts of many rear-wheel-drive cars and some 4WDs, where the angles between the transmission and the axle can change due to suspension travel or chassis movement.

Universal joints are vital in those vehicles because they help prevent vibrations and mechanical damage that could occur when a rigid shaft is used in a flexible system. They consist of two yokes connected by a cross-shaped piece called a spider, which allows the shafts to flex. Over time, these components can wear out, leading to clicking noises, vibrations, or eventually failure if left unmaintained. This is why inspection and lubrication are standard parts of servicing vehicles with universal joints.

Regular maintenance of universal joints involves greasing the joint, if they are of the serviceable type, to ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion or wear. Non-serviceable U-joints are sealed and require replacement if they fail. Signs that a universal joint may need attention include unusual noises when accelerating or turning, visible rust or wear on the joint, or vibration felt in the vehicle's drivetrain. Timely replacement avoids costly breakdowns and ensures smooth power delivery.

Since the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross does not use universal joints, owners can skip this part of the maintenance checklist. Instead, maintenance efforts are better directed towards components such as the constant velocity joints, drive shafts, and the rest of the drivetrain that matches this vehicle's specific design. Keeping an eye on CV boots for tears, grease leakage, and listening for clicking noises during cornering will help maintain the overall drivetrain health on an Eclipse Cross.

So, while universal joints play an important role in many vehicles, the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross takes a different path that suits its AWD and FWD layouts better. By focusing on CV joints and associated drivetrain parts, owners ensure their Eclipse Cross keeps delivering a smooth and reliable drive without needing U-joint care or replacement. It's a good example of how automotive technology evolves to meet the demands of specific vehicle designs and driving conditions.