Parts for your 2018 Toyota Mark x-Cv joint

2018 Toyota Mark X CV Joint: What It Does and How To Look After It

Drawing on Toyota’s Mark X GRX130/135 Repair Manual (Axle and Differential – Rear Drive Shaft, Front Drive Shaft for “Four” grades) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for the 2018 Mark X, this model uses constant velocity (CV) joints. Rear-wheel-drive variants have CV joints on the independent rear half‑shafts, and AWD “Four” grades use CV joints on both front and rear drive shafts. So a CV joint is absolutely relevant to the 2018 Toyota Mark X.

On the Mark X, the CV joint lets the driven wheels move up and down with the suspension while transmitting drive smoothly from the differential (rear, and front on AWD) to the hubs. Because the Mark X rides on independent rear suspension, those rear half‑shafts need CV joints at each end to keep power delivery consistent through suspension travel and cornering. When they’re healthy, acceleration is silky and there’s no shudder under load.

The joint relies on clean moly grease and a tight, undamaged rubber boot. If a boot splits, grease gets flung out and water and grit get in, which quickly wears the joint. That’s why regular inspection during routine servicing or a WOF check is vital. A good workshop will look for grease spray near the inner guards or rear subframe, cracked boots, and play at the joint.

• Common symptoms: clicking or clacking on throttle in tight turns (front, AWD), a rhythmic thrum or vibration on acceleration (rear, RWD/AWD), grease splatter around the shaft or hub, and torn or perished boots.
• Servicing tips: inspect every 10,000–15,000 km, replace any torn boot immediately, use the correct high‑moly CV grease and new clamps, and torque hub/shaft fasteners to factory spec.

If caught early, a damaged boot can be replaced and the joint cleaned and re‑greased. If there’s pitting or excessive play, it’s smarter to replace the joint or complete shaft assembly. For many owners, a complete shaft swap is cost‑effective and cuts downtime. After rear shaft work, a quick road test for vibration under load is a must, on AWD, also check for binding on full lock. Tyre sizes and pressures should match across an axle—especially on AWD—to keep driveline stress low and extend CV life.

With intact boots and clean grease, Mark X CV joints often run well past 200,000 km. Keeping an eye on them at each service is cheap insurance for smooth, quiet motoring.

Popular questions about 2018 Toyota Mark X CV joints

Does the 2018 Mark X have front CV joints?
Front CV joints are fitted only on AWD “Four” grades. Rear‑wheel‑drive models have CV joints on the rear half‑shafts but not at the front, as the front wheels aren’t driven.

How long do the CV joints last on a Mark X?
With healthy boots and the right grease, they commonly last 150,000–250,000 km or more. Most failures start with a split boot, so timely inspection and boot replacement prevents premature wear.

Can a torn CV boot be fixed without replacing the whole shaft?
Yes. If the joint hasn’t run dry or ingested grit, a new boot, fresh moly grease and proper clamps will do the job. If there’s noise or play, a joint or complete shaft assembly replacement is the better call.