Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer-Universal joints

2017 Mitsubishi Lancer universal joints — are they used?

Short answer for Australia and New Zealand: universal joints aren’t fitted to the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer models sold locally. Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s CF-series Lancer 2017 specifications list all local trims as front‑wheel drive with no All‑Wheel Control option, so there’s no longitudinal propeller shaft that would require universal joints. The CF service manual for these FWD cars describes front drive shafts with constant‑velocity (CV) joints at both the inboard and outboard ends, and no U‑joint service section for the driveline. For context, some North American 2017 Lancer variants (SE/ES AWC) did use an all‑wheel drive system with a propeller shaft, those layouts commonly rely on U‑joints, but that configuration wasn’t offered new in AU/NZ. Technical sources: Mitsubishi Motors Australia—Lancer CF 2017 Specifications, Mitsubishi Lancer CF Service/Workshop Manual—Front Axle/Driveshaft (CV joints), Mitsubishi Motors North America—2017 Lancer AWC model information.

Why aren’t universal joints used on the AU/NZ 2017 Lancer? The Lancer’s transverse engine and front‑wheel drive layout sends power to the front wheels via two short drive shafts. These need to deliver smooth, constant rotational speed while the wheels steer and move with suspension travel. That job is best handled by constant‑velocity joints (Rzeppa and tripod types), which maintain uniform rotational velocity at higher operating angles. A single universal joint, by contrast, introduces a cyclic speed variation at angle, which makes it unsuitable for front drive shafts that steer. U‑joints are typically reserved for longitudinal propeller shafts in rear‑ or all‑wheel drive layouts, where joint angles are small and consistent and a paired joint arrangement cancels out speed fluctuation.

What should a Lancer owner look at instead? If there’s a click on tight turns, vibration on throttle, or grease flung around the inner wheel, that’s classic CV joint or boot wear rather than a failed U‑joint. Routine servicing should include inspecting CV boots for splits, checking for play in the drive shafts, and listening for clicking under load. Any torn boot should be addressed quickly to prevent CV joint damage. If you’re dealing with an imported 2017 AWC Lancer, a driveline specialist can inspect propeller‑shaft U‑joints and the centre support bearing, many OEM assemblies are sealed and replaced as a unit if they develop play or binding.

• AU/NZ 2017 Lancer: FWD, CV joints only, no universal joints.
• AWC (overseas): may have a propeller shaft with U‑joints, not sold new in AU/NZ.

Technical references cited: Mitsubishi Motors Australia—Lancer CF 2017 Specifications (FWD across range). Mitsubishi Lancer CF Service/Workshop Manual—Front Axle/Driveshaft sections describing CV joint construction and service. Mitsubishi Motors North America—2017 Lancer brochure detailing AWC availability (overseas markets).

FAQs

Does a 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer have universal joints?
For AU/NZ models, no. They’re front‑wheel drive and use CV joints on the front drive shafts, with no propeller shaft. Only certain overseas AWC variants used a propeller shaft where U‑joints may be present.

What’s causing a clunk or click if there are no U‑joints?
Common culprits are worn CV joints or split CV boots, a tired engine mount, or play in lower control arm or ball joints. A clicking noise on full lock strongly points to the outer CV joint.

How are universal joints serviced on an imported 2017 Lancer AWC?
Many factory propeller shafts use sealed, non‑greaseable U‑joints. If there’s vibration, clunking on take‑off, or visible play, the usual remedy is to replace the propeller shaft assembly or have a driveline specialist press in serviceable joints and check the centre support bearing.