Parts for your 1998 Toyota Avensis-Universal joints

1998 Toyota Avensis universal-joints — are they used?

For the 1998 Toyota Avensis (T22), a conventional driveline universal joint (the prop-shaft “U‑joint” you’d see on rear- or all-wheel-drive vehicles) isn’t fitted. Technical sources including the Toyota Avensis 1997–2003 workshop manual (RM series), Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for T22 models, and the Haynes Avensis manual (1998–2008) show the Avensis is front‑wheel drive with no propeller shaft. Instead, it uses constant velocity (CV) joints on the front drive shafts.

Why no universal-joints on the 1998 Toyota Avensis? It comes down to the front‑wheel‑drive transaxle layout. The gearbox and differential sit as one unit up front, driving short left and right shafts. CV joints are used at both ends of these shafts because they transmit power smoothly at varying angles, especially while steering and as the suspension moves. Traditional U‑joints don’t keep rotational speed perfectly constant at an angle, which can introduce vibration, they’re great on straight prop shafts in utes and rear‑drive setups, but not ideal for high steering angles and tight packaging in a front‑drive hatch or sedan like the Avensis. CV joints also package neatly and, with intact boots, need minimal attention beyond routine inspection.

One small caveat: the Avensis does use a compact universal joint on the steering intermediate shaft. That’s not a driveline U‑joint and won’t appear in typical “prop shaft” searches. If the steering feels notchy or there’s a slight clunk on turn-in, a technician may check that steering U‑joint for play or corrosion. But for the 1998 Avensis driveline, if you’re shopping for universal-joints, you’re really after CV joints, CV boots, or complete driveshafts instead.

• Driveline: Front-wheel drive transaxle, CV joints fitted at inner (tripod) and outer (Rzeppa) ends.
• Where U-joints appear: Steering intermediate shaft only, not the prop/driveshaft.
• Service tip: Inspect CV boots for splits and grease leaks at each service or every 10,000–15,000 km.

Popular questions

Does a 1998 Toyota Avensis have universal-joints?
Not on the driveline. The 1998 Avensis uses CV joints on the front drive shafts. A small universal joint is present on the steering intermediate shaft, but there’s no prop shaft U‑joint because the car is front‑wheel drive.

What joints are on the front shafts of a 1998 Avensis?
The outer joints are Rzeppa-type CVs for smooth rotation at high steering angles, and the inner joints are tripod-type CVs to handle in‑out plunge as the suspension moves. Keep the rubber boots intact, once a boot splits and grease escapes, wear accelerates quickly.

How can someone spot a worn steering universal joint on an Avensis?
Common signs include a notchy feel, tight spots, or a faint clunk when turning the wheel off centre. Inspect the intermediate shaft for rust binding or play. Replacement is straightforward for a workshop and typically doesn’t require wheel alignment unless the steering wheel or column components are disturbed.