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Mitsubishi Delica: Front axle birfield (CV) joint failure on 4WD models

Front axle birfield (CV) joint failure on 4WD models is a common suspension fault on the Mitsubishi Delica on the 1994–2007 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $450 to $1,400 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 18 documented faults on the Mitsubishi Delica.

Vehicle
Mitsubishi Delica
Years
1994–2007
System
Suspension

This page covers the Mitsubishi Delica as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Mitsubishi Delica faults18 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the CV joint and boot yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The L400 Delica 4WD uses Birfield-type constant-velocity joints in the front axle shafts. These joints are robust but fail when the grease-retaining boots tear — a common occurrence on vehicles used off-road or with high mileage. Once a boot tears, grease is flung out and abrasive grit enters the joint, rapidly wearing the balls and races. Neglected joints eventually seize or fracture, leaving the vehicle undriveable. Boot deterioration accelerates from UV exposure in New Zealand conditions.

What you would notice

  • Clicking or clunking noise when turning at low speed, especially under load
  • Grease splattering on inner wheel arch or brake components
  • Vibration through the steering wheel at highway speed in 4WD mode

How to check it

Where to look. Front axle shafts, both left and right birfield CV joints inboard and outboard of the front differential

With the wheels turned to full lock, inspect both CV boots for tears, cracks, or missing grease. Look for grease flung onto the inside of the front wheel arch or suspension components. Listen for clicking on tight-radius turns at low speed. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist, grip the front driveshaft and check for clunking play.

Parts involved: CV joint and boot.

What it costs to put right

$450 to $1,400 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

  • “When were the front CV boots last inspected or replaced?”
  • “Has the vehicle been used off-road, and if so how often?”
  • “Is there any clicking noise when turning at low speed?”

Now check the Mitsubishi Delica you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Mitsubishi Delica buyer questions

Is front axle birfield (cv) joint failure on 4wd models serious on a Mitsubishi Delica?

We rate it major and common on the Mitsubishi Delica. The L400 Delica 4WD uses Birfield-type constant-velocity joints in the front axle shafts. These joints are robust but fail when the grease-retaining boots tear — a common occurrence on vehicles used off-road or with high mileage. Once a boot tears, grease is flung out and abrasive grit enters the joint, rapidly wearing the balls and races. Neglected joints eventually seize or fracture, leaving the vehicle undriveable. Boot deterioration accelerates from UV exposure in New Zealand conditions.

How much does it cost to fix on a Mitsubishi Delica?

$450 to $1,400 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Mitsubishi Delica years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 1994–2007 Mitsubishi Delica. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

With the wheels turned to full lock, inspect both CV boots for tears, cracks, or missing grease. Look for grease flung onto the inside of the front wheel arch or suspension components. Listen for clicking on tight-radius turns at low speed. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist, grip the front driveshaft and check for clunking play. Look here: Front axle shafts, both left and right birfield CV joints inboard and outboard of the front differential