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