Used Volkswagen Crafter CV Joints

Yes, the Crafter does have CV joints, but only on variants with front-wheel drive or four-wheel-drive (4Motion) — these are found on the front driveshafts where the shaft meets the wheel hub and the gearbox. Rear-wheel-drive Crafters (which use a propshaft and solid rear axle arrangement) do not have front driveshaft CV joints in the same way, so it is worth confirming your drivetrain layout before searching. Check your V5C or the plate in the door jamb to confirm whether your van is FWD or 4WD.

No — the Crafter went through a full generation change in 2017, moving from the first-generation model (roughly 2006–2016, based on the MAN TGE platform) to the second-generation model (2017-onwards, VW's own MH platform), and these are entirely different vehicles with different driveshaft and CV joint designs. Parts from the older generation will not cross over to the newer one, so always make sure the breaker is supplying from the correct generation for your van. Quote your registration to the breaker so they can confirm the exact match.

Yes, this can matter — the Crafter is available in different GVW ratings (3.5 tonne, 4.25 tonne, and 5.0 tonne variants), and heavier-rated vans can have uprated driveshaft and CV joint assemblies to handle the additional load. Always check the plate inside your van's door or engine bay for your exact GVW rating rather than relying on the model name alone. Pass this detail to the breaker so they can match the correct part to your van's specification.

Trim level does not affect CV joint fitment on the Crafter — the Startline, Trendline, and Highline trim designations relate to comfort and equipment differences rather than any changes to the running gear or driveshafts. What matters is the generation, drivetrain layout (FWD or 4Motion), and GVW rating, not the trim badge. You can disregard trim level entirely when sourcing this part.

Yes, absolutely — CV joints are side-specific, and you must specify whether you need the nearside (NS, left-hand side as you sit in the van) or offside (OS, right-hand side) when contacting a breaker. The inner and outer CV joints on each shaft may also differ from one another, so it helps to clarify whether you need the wheel-end (outer) joint or the gearbox-end (inner) joint. Being precise about this will save time and avoid the breaker sending the wrong part.

No — 2015 puts your van in the first generation (2006–2016), while a 2017 donor van would be from the second generation (2017-onwards), and these two generations use completely different platforms with incompatible driveshaft components. Always source CV joints from a first-generation Crafter (2006–2016) to match your van. Confirm your GVW rating and drivetrain with the breaker to ensure they can supply the right variant within that generation.