Parts for your 1998 Toyota Crown-Driveshafts

1998 Toyota Crown driveshafts — what they do and how to look after them

Yes, the 1998 Toyota Crown uses driveshafts. The S150-series Crown (1995–1999, including JZS155/GS151 variants) is a front‑engine, rear‑wheel drive sedan. Technical references such as the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for S150 models list a two‑piece propeller shaft (driveshaft) with a centre support bearing and universal joints, and the factory repair manual’s drivetrain section covers inspection, torque specs and balance marks for that assembly. Independent workshop manuals commonly used in AU/NZ service bays describe the same FR layout with a prop shaft to the rear differential and half‑shafts from the diff to each rear wheel.

On this Crown, the main driveshaft (often called the propeller shaft) sends torque from the automatic gearbox to the rear differential. From there, a pair of rear axle shafts (half‑shafts) deliver power to the wheels. Toyota engineered the shaft as a two‑piece unit with a centre support bearing to keep vibrations low and ride quality plush at motorway speeds. Universal joints handle the angular movement, while splines and flanges allow the shaft to move with suspension travel without binding.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to give the driveline a once‑over. Look for splits or perishing in the centre bearing rubber, any rust dust around the U‑joints, and looseness at the flanges. Many Toyota U‑joints of this era are sealed, so there’s no greasing nipple, if a joint shows play or is notchy, plan on replacement rather than lubrication. If the car has been lowered or had transmission or diff work, make sure the shaft is still correctly phased and the balance marks line up — getting that wrong can cause an annoying 60–100 km/h vibration. For the rear axle shafts, check the CV boots, torn boots fling grease and will quickly turn into clicking joints.

• Common symptoms to watch for:
  • Shudder or vibration under load or at steady cruise
  • Clunk on take‑off or when shifting from Reverse to Drive
  • Howl or droning from the tunnel area (often centre bearing)
  • Grease spray near a CV boot or visible boot tear on rear shafts
• Replacement tips:
  • Mark flanges before removal and torque all fasteners to spec
  • Replace the centre support bearing if the rubber is cracked or sagging
  • If U‑joints are replaced or a shaft is swapped, have the assembly balanced
  • Aftermarket and reman options are fine, choose quality joints and bearings

Service intervals are simple: inspect every service or 20,000 km, and act on any play, noise or vibration straight away. Keeping the Crown’s driveshafts happy keeps the cabin smooth and the gearbox and diff stress‑free.

Popular questions about 1998 Toyota Crown driveshafts

Does a 1998 Toyota Crown have a driveshaft?
It does. The 1998 Crown is rear‑wheel drive, so it uses a two‑piece propeller shaft from the transmission to the rear differential, plus half‑shafts from the diff to each rear wheel. This layout is documented in Toyota’s S150 factory repair and parts catalogues.

How can someone tell if the Crown’s driveshaft or centre bearing is worn?
Typical clues include a thump when taking off, a steady‑speed vibration, or a droning/whirring from the tunnel area. Underneath, a cracked centre bearing rubber, red rust dust around a U‑joint, or play at the flanges are giveaways. Any of these signs mean it’s time for further inspection and likely parts replacement.

Is it safe to keep driving with a torn rear CV boot or noisy U‑joint?
Not ideal. A torn boot lets grease out and grit in, which can quickly ruin a CV joint and lead to binding or failure. A noisy U‑joint can seize and damage the shaft or flanges. Short trips to a workshop are usually fine, but delaying the fix risks bigger, pricier repairs.