Parts for your 2017 Toyota Rav4-Universal joints

2017 Toyota RAV4 universal joints — are they used?

For the 2017 Toyota RAV4, universal joints (the traditional cross-and-bearing “U-joints”) aren’t used in the driveline. Front-wheel-drive models have only front drive shafts with constant velocity (CV) joints, and AWD models use a propeller shaft to the rear differential that’s fitted with CV-type joints and a centre support bearing, not serviceable U-joints.

This isn’t guesswork. Technical references show it clearly:

• Toyota Technical Information System (TIS) factory Repair Manual for 2016–2018 RAV4: the Propeller Shaft and Driveline sections depict CV-style joints with boots and a non-serviceable shaft assembly, rather than cross-type U-joints.
• Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for 2017 RAV4: the “Propeller Shaft” diagram lists a complete shaft assembly and joint boot kits, again indicating CV joints and a centre bearing, not discrete U-joint kits.
• Workshop practice and Toyota service bulletins for driveline vibration on AWD RAV4s specify replacing the propeller shaft assembly, there’s no procedure to press out and replace U-joints.

Why doesn’t the 2017 RAV4 use universal joints? The RAV4’s on-demand AWD and packaging priorities favour CV joints. CVs handle larger operating angles smoothly, maintain constant rotational velocity (so there’s less shudder on acceleration), and allow axial “plunge” to account for movement of the powertrain and rear subframe. That’s great for NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and ride comfort—key goals in a crossover. Traditional U-joints introduce a cyclic speed variation at angles unless paired in a specific geometry or used as a double-Cardan setup, which adds bulk. CV joints also package neatly with protective boots and are supplied as sealed, pre-greased units—ideal for low-maintenance ownership.

What should owners do instead of chasing U-joints? If there’s a driveline vibration, clunk, or a hum that changes with road speed on an AWD RAV4, technicians inspect the propeller shaft assembly, centre support bearing, rear differential mounts, and the CV joint boots for damage or grease seepage. Any torn boots, play at the joints, or bearing noise usually means replacing the complete propeller shaft. Up front, clicking on full lock or grease flung around the inner guards points to the front CV axles, not U-joints. Keeping underbody boots intact, mounts tight, and tyres matched and correctly inflated goes a long way to keeping the RAV4’s driveline happy.

• Does a 2017 RAV4 have universal joints?
  The 2017 RAV4 doesn’t use traditional U-joints. FWD models run front CV axles only, AWD models add a rear propeller shaft with CV-type joints and a centre bearing. There are no serviceable cross-and-bearing U-joints in this platform.
• What causes driveline vibration on a 2017 RAV4 if not U-joints?
  Common culprits include a worn propeller shaft assembly or centre support bearing (AWD), deteriorated engine/gearbox or diff mounts, out-of-balance wheels/tyres, or front CV axle wear. The usual fix for a faulty prop shaft is replacement of the complete assembly.
• Can the RAV4’s propshaft joints be greased or rebuilt?
  They’re sealed CV joints. There’s no scheduled greasing, and Toyota service literature treats the propeller shaft as a non-serviceable unit. If a boot is torn or there’s play/noise, replacement of the shaft assembly is the approved repair.