Parts for your 2017 Toyota Hiace-Cv joint

2017 Toyota HiAce CV Joint – does it have one?

Based on Toyota’s H200 HiAce workshop information and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for 2017 AU/NZ models, the 2017 Toyota HiAce sold in Australia and New Zealand is rear‑wheel drive with a live rear axle and a two‑piece propeller shaft that uses universal joints (U‑joints) and a centre support bearing. There are no front drive shafts, no CV boots, and no constant‑velocity (CV) joints fitted at the wheels on these models. That driveline layout is why a “CV joint” is not relevant to most AU/NZ‑spec 2017 HiAce vans.

CV joints are typically used where a driven wheel needs to steer and move up and down—common on front‑wheel drive vehicles and on independent rear drive axles. The HiAce’s front wheels don’t drive the vehicle, and the rear uses a solid (live) axle, so Toyota engineers specify robust U‑joints on the prop shaft instead of CV joints. If someone is chasing a “HiAce CV joint” for a 2017 van in Australia or New Zealand, they’re almost certainly looking for prop shaft U‑joints, a centre bearing, or front suspension/steering parts rather than a CV assembly. Note: some overseas HiAce variants had 4WD, those do use CV joints, but they weren’t the common AU/NZ fitment for 2017.

• What the 2017 HiAce does have:
  • Propeller shaft with U‑joints (front and rear)
  • Centre support bearing on the two‑piece shaft
  • Live rear axle with axle bearings (no CVs)
  • Front suspension and steering joints (ball joints, tie rod ends, rack ends)

Hearing a clicking on full lock or seeing grease near a front wheel—classic CV symptoms—usually points to something else on a 2017 HiAce: worn front wheel bearings, outer tie‑rod ends, ball joints, or even loose brake hardware. Driveline shudder on take‑off or a buzz at highway speeds is more often a dry or worn U‑joint or a tired centre bearing. During routine servicing, it’s smart to check the prop shaft U‑joints for play or rust‑coloured dust, inspect the centre bearing rubber for cracks, and look over front end joints and boots. Many OE U‑joints are sealed, if grease nipples are fitted (aftermarket), grease lightly at service intervals. Address any vibration early to avoid damage to the gearbox output seal or differential pinion seal.

• Quick maintenance cues for a 2017 HiAce:
  • Inspect U‑joints and centre bearing every 20,000–30,000 km or at regular services
  • Check front wheel bearings, tie‑rods, and ball joints if you hear clicking on turns
  • Balance rear tyres and check prop shaft alignment if there’s a new vibration

Popular questions

Does my 2017 Toyota HiAce have CV joints?
For AU/NZ‑spec 2017 HiAce vans, no. They’re rear‑wheel drive with a live rear axle and use universal joints on the propeller shaft instead of CV joints at the wheels. CVs were used on some overseas 4WD variants, but those are uncommon locally. If uncertain, a quick VIN check against the Toyota parts catalogue will confirm the layout.

What’s causing a clicking noise when turning if there are no CV joints?
On a 2017 HiAce, clicking on full lock is more likely a worn front wheel bearing, an outer tie‑rod end or ball joint with play, or a loose brake pad clip. A workshop can check for free play at the hub and in the steering joints and confirm the source quickly.

Which driveline joints should be serviced instead of CVs?
The prop shaft U‑joints and the centre support bearing are the big ones. Look for play, binding, rust‑coloured dust, or torn rubber at the centre bearing. If there’s vibration on acceleration or a humming at steady speed, have the U‑joints and driveline angles checked and replace worn parts promptly.