Parts for your 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Cv joint

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross CV Joint — what it does and how to look after it

Yes, a CV joint is absolutely relevant to the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Motors Workshop Manual for the Eclipse Cross (GK series, 2018MY, Front Axle and Rear Axle/S-AWC sections) and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue show the front driveshafts use an outer Rzeppa-style CV joint and an inner tripod/DOJ joint on all models. On S-AWC (AWD) variants, the rear halfshafts also use CV joints. These factory documents list the complete driveshaft assemblies, individual CV boots, clamps and grease, confirming the vehicle is built around CV-jointed halfshafts.

The CV joint’s job is to deliver engine torque to the wheels smoothly while the suspension moves and, at the front, while steering. The Eclipse Cross runs an outer ball-type CV joint for high steering angles and an inner tripod joint that allows plunge as the suspension travels, keeping things quiet and vibration-free. With AWD, the same concept applies at the rear, just without steering angles.

What really needs love during servicing are the rubber boots and the special moly CV grease they’re holding in. A quick visual at each service interval (about every 15,000 km or 12 months in Aus/NZ schedules) goes a long way: look for splits, loose clamps or grease sling around the wheel arch. If a boot fails, grit gets in, grease gets out, and the joint starts to wear fast.

When it’s time for repairs, there are two main paths. If the joint’s still healthy and only the boot is damaged, a boot kit (boot, clamps, correct grease) is fine. If the joint is clicking on turns, has heavy play, or there’s been long-running contamination, most workshops fit a complete driveshaft (new inner and outer joints pre-assembled). It saves time and often ends up more reliable. Always use new axle nuts and hub bolts where specified, torque everything to the workshop manual, and have the transaxle oil seal inspected after shaft removal. For AWD, don’t forget to check the rear boots as well.

• Common symptoms: clicking on full lock, shudder on acceleration, grease splatter near the wheel, vibration at speed.
• Roadworthy/WOF checks in AU/NZ will usually fail split or leaking CV boots.
• City driving is easy on CVs, gravel, mud and off-bitumen use benefit from more frequent inspections.

What are the tell-tale signs of a bad CV joint on an Eclipse Cross?

Clicking or clacking on tight turns points to the outer joint. A shudder on take-off or a buzz under load can mean inner joint wear. If there’s grease sprayed inside the rim or guard, the boot is likely split. The earlier it’s checked, the better the chance a simple boot kit will save the joint.

Do AWD (S-AWC) models have more CV joints than FWD?

They do. All Eclipse Cross models have two front driveshafts with inner and outer CV joints. S-AWC adds two rear halfshafts, each with CV joints, so there are more boots to inspect and more potential wear points if used on rough roads.

Can the boot be replaced without changing the whole shaft?

Yes—if the joint hasn’t been running dry or contaminated for long. A fresh boot with the correct spec grease and new clamps is a cost-effective fix. If there’s clicking, blueing, pitting, or excessive play, a complete driveshaft assembly is the smarter, longer-lasting repair.