A Constant Velocity Joints or CV joints are attached to each end of a drive shaft . The CV joints are needed to transfer the torque at a constant speed to steered wheels as well as to accommodate up and down motions of the suspension.
You will find CV joints in all front-wheel drive cars. Many rear- and four-wheel drive cars and trucks have CV joints as well. The CV joint is packed with grease and protected by the rubber or plastic boot.
It does not require any maintenance and supposed to last very long provided that protective boot will not get damaged.

The drive shaft, or propeller shaft, connects the transmission output shaft to the differential pinion shaft. Since all roads are not perfectly smooth, and the transmission is fixed, the drive shaft has to be flexible to absorb the shock of bumps in the road. Universal, or "U-joints" allow the drive shaft to flex (and stop it from breaking) when the drive angle changes. Drive shafts are usually hollow in order to weigh less, but of a large diameter so that they are strong. High quality steel, and sometimes aluminum are used in the manufacture of the drive shaft.