Parts for your 2022 Ford Fiesta-Universal joints

2022 Ford Fiesta universal joints — are they actually used?

Short answer: not in the driveline. The 2022 Ford Fiesta is front‑wheel drive and uses constant‑velocity (CV) joints on its front half‑shafts, not cross‑type universal joints (U‑joints). Ford’s service information for the Fiesta (2017–2023 generation) details inner tripod CV joints and outer fixed ball (Rzeppa) CV joints on the front drive shafts, with no propeller shaft or rear U‑joints listed. That aligns with established engineering practice noted in the Bosch Automotive Handbook and SAE texts: front‑drive passenger cars rely on CV joints because they maintain constant angular velocity through large steering and suspension angles, where a Hooke‑type U‑joint would introduce speed fluctuation and vibration.

Why U‑joints aren’t used on the Fiesta’s driveline comes down to physics and packaging. A universal joint changes output speed as it works on an angle, which would cause shudder and torque ripple under steering lock or suspension travel. CV joints avoid that, cope with bigger articulation angles, and fit neatly between the transaxle and the front hubs — perfect for a compact hatch that spends its life tackling city corners and open‑road kilometres.

There is one place a “universal joint” can still appear on a 2022 Fiesta: the steering intermediate shaft typically uses a small U‑joint. It’s not the same thing as a driveline U‑joint and it’s generally not a scheduled‑service item. Still, during routine servicing it’s smart for a technician to check for corrosion, stiffness, or play at the lower steering joint, especially if the car has seen a lot of wet or coastal conditions.

• If there’s a clunk over bumps, a notchy feel through the wheel, or visible rust at the lower steering joint near the firewall, have it inspected and replaced as an assembly if needed.
• Clicking on full lock, grease slung around a front wheel, or vibration under throttle usually points to a worn CV joint or split CV boot — not a U‑joint. Replace the affected half‑shaft or joint and renew the boot and grease.

Technical references: Ford Workshop/Service Information for Fiesta (2017–2023) “Front Drive Halfshafts — Overview/Removal & Installation”, Ford Steering Column/Intermediate Shaft overview, Bosch Automotive Handbook (CV vs Hooke joints behaviour under angle), common SAE literature on front‑wheel‑drive joint selection.

Popular questions about 2022 Ford Fiesta universal joints

Does a 2022 Ford Fiesta have universal joints in the driveline?
No. The Fiesta uses CV joints on its front half‑shafts. Universal joints are typical on rear‑wheel‑drive prop shafts, which the Fiesta doesn’t have. Any knocking or clicking on turns is almost always a CV joint issue.

Where might a universal joint be found on a 2022 Fiesta?
On the steering intermediate shaft. It’s a small U‑joint that links the column to the rack. It’s not a routine replacement item, but if steering feels notchy or there’s visible corrosion or play, a mechanic should check it.

What should be replaced if there’s clicking on full lock?
That symptom points to an outer CV joint (or complete driveshaft) rather than a U‑joint. Look for a split CV boot or flung grease near the front wheels. Replace the affected joint/shaft and renew the boot and grease, then torque the hub nut to spec.