Second Hand Ford Mustang CV Joints

The Ford Mustang is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle and uses a conventional live rear axle (on older generations) or an independent rear suspension with rear driveshafts, rather than front CV joints as you would find on a front-wheel-drive car. The sixth-generation Mustang (2015-onwards), sold new in the UK, does use CV joints as part of its independent rear suspension driveshafts, so if you have one of those you are looking in the right place. Earlier generations sold used in the UK are predominantly solid rear axle cars with no CV joints at all, so if you have an older model you may actually be looking for a rear axle shaft or U-joint instead. Confirm with the breaker exactly which generation and drivetrain layout you have before ordering.

Both the 2015 and 2018 Mustang fall within the sixth generation (S550, 2015-onwards), which introduced independent rear suspension to the Mustang lineup, so the basic architecture is the same. However, fitment can vary between the 2.3 EcoBoost four-cylinder and the 5.0 V8, as the driveshaft components may differ to handle the different torque outputs, so make sure your engine size matches. Always confirm the exact part reference with the breaker against your registration number before purchasing.

Engine size is genuinely relevant here - the 2.3 EcoBoost and the 5.0 V8 GT produce very different power and torque figures, and the driveshaft components including CV joints may differ between them. When contacting a breaker, always tell them both the generation (sixth-gen S550 if 2015-onwards) and the engine variant so they can match the correct part. Trim level names beyond the powertrain distinction - such as Fastback or convertible body style - are unlikely to affect CV joint fitment, but confirm with the breaker against your registration to be sure.

The fifth-generation Mustang (S197, 2005-2014) uses a solid rear axle rather than independent rear suspension, so it does not use CV joints in the conventional sense. What you are more likely to need is a rear axle shaft, a rear differential component, or a U-joint depending on where the wear or damage is. A good breaker who specialises in American cars will be able to help you identify the correct part once you describe the symptom and confirm your exact year and engine.

The sixth-generation Mustang (S550, 2015-onwards) was built to a global specification when Ford began officially selling right-hand-drive cars in the UK, and the mechanical drivetrain components including the rear independent suspension CV joints are generally the same regardless of market. That said, there can be differences between model years within the generation, and between the EcoBoost and V8 variants, so you should always have the breaker check the part against your specific registration rather than assuming US-sourced parts are a straight swap. A reputable breaker will be able to cross-reference the part numbers to confirm compatibility before you commit.

Yes, side matters - always specify nearside (NS, left-hand side as you sit in the car) or offside (OS, right-hand side) when requesting a quote from a breaker, as the driveshafts on the independent rear suspension can differ in length between the two sides. Getting the wrong side is one of the most common avoidable mistakes when buying used running gear, so double-check before the part is dispatched. Your breaker will need your registration and the correct side to pull the right component from the donor car.