Parts for your 2001 Toyota Bb-Universal joints

2001 Toyota bB universal joints — are they actually used?

Short answer: on most 2001 Toyota bB models (NCP30/NCP31, front‑wheel drive), universal joints aren’t used in the driveline. The car runs front driveshafts with constant‑velocity (CV) joints, and there’s no propeller shaft or cross‑type “Cardan” U‑joint in a typical 2WD bB. This is backed by Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for NCP30/31, the Toyota bB Repair Manual for 2000–2001 model years, and the Toyota New Car Features (NCF) guide that details the FWD layout and front axle construction.

• Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC): Lists front axle shafts with CV joints and no propeller shaft on 2WD NCP30/31.
• Toyota bB (NCP30/31) Repair Manual: Drivetrain/Axle section describes Rzeppa/Tripod CV joints used on the front driveshafts.
• Toyota New Car Features (2000–2001): Confirms transverse FWD layout, MacPherson strut front, torsion‑beam rear — no rear prop shaft on 2WD.

There was a market‑dependent 4WD variant (often referenced as NCP35 in Japanese sources). Those vehicles add a propeller shaft to the rear, and that assembly may use universal joints. If your bB is 4WD, check your VIN in the EPC or look under the car for a prop shaft — that’s the tell‑tale.

Why no universal joints on the common 2WD 2001 bB? Because FWD packaging and refinement call for CV joints. A universal joint changes output speed as it turns through an angle, which can add vibration and torque ripple. CV joints, by design, keep constant angular velocity even at high steering angles, which means smoother take‑offs, less NVH, and tighter packaging around the transaxle — exactly what a small FWD wagon needs for daily driving around Aus and NZ.

If someone’s chasing a clunk or vibration and thinking “U‑joints”, on a 2WD bB it’s far more likely to be a worn outer CV joint (classic clicking on full lock), a torn CV boot flinging grease, or even a tired engine mount. The only place you’ll typically find a small universal joint on these cars is in the steering intermediate shaft. If the steering feels notchy or stiff on centre, that little guy might be due for attention.

Good servicing habits for a 2WD 2001 bB: keep an eye on CV boots for cracks, fix any grease leaks promptly, and listen for clicking on turns or humming at speed. A quick under‑bonnet and under‑car inspection every 10,000 km pays off, and a mechanic can check the steering shaft joint for play or corrosion while it’s on the hoist.

• Does my 2001 Toyota bB have universal joints in the driveline?
  Most 2WD bB (NCP30/NCP31) don’t — they use CV joints only. Some 4WD variants sold in Japan add a propeller shaft that can use universal joints. If you can see a prop shaft running to a rear diff, you’ve likely got U‑joints, if not, you don’t.
• Clicking on full lock — is that a universal joint or a CV on a 2001 bB?
  On a 2WD bB it’s almost always the outer CV joint, especially if a boot has split and lost grease. Clicking that gets quicker with road speed while turning is the giveaway. A universal joint isn’t part of the 2WD driveline.
• Is the steering shaft universal joint serviceable on a 2001 bB?
  The steering intermediate shaft U‑joint is generally replaced as an assembly if it’s rusty, seized, or has play. Symptoms include notchy or heavy steering and a faint clunk over bumps. A light spray lube won’t fix wear — replacement is the reliable cure.