Parts for your 2002 Toyota Bb-Universal joints

Are universal joints used on the 2002 Toyota bB?

Short answer: not for the drivetrain. Based on Toyota technical material for the NCP30/NCP31 bB (2000–2005)—including the Toyota bB Repair Manual (Drivetrain/Axle and Steering sections) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC)—the 2002 Toyota bB is a front‑wheel‑drive vehicle with front drive shafts that use constant‑velocity (CV) joints, not traditional cardan universal joints. There’s no propeller shaft or rear differential on standard models, so there are no rear or centre universal joints to service. The only place a universal joint typically appears is in the steering intermediate shaft.

Why isn’t a universal joint used in the driveline? FWD packaging keeps the engine and transaxle up front, sending power to the front wheels via CV axles. CV joints maintain constant rotational speed through larger steering and suspension angles—exactly what a compact, front‑drive layout needs. Traditional universal joints introduce speed fluctuations at angle and are better suited to prop shafts on rear‑ or four‑wheel‑drive layouts, which the bB doesn’t have.

So, if someone’s searching for “2002 Toyota bB universal joints,” they’re usually chasing one of two things: front CV joints/boots, or the small steering column U‑joint. As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to:

• Inspect front CV boots every 10,000–20,000 km for splits or grease fling. Replace any torn boot promptly to save the joint.
• Listen for clicking on full lock or vibration under load—classic signs of a worn CV joint.
• Check the steering intermediate shaft U‑joint for rust binding, stiffness, or a clunk at the wheel. Any play means it’s time to replace the shaft assembly.

If a workshop or parts listing mentions “universal joints” for this model, it’s typically referring to the steering shaft, not the driveshafts. For driveline concerns, ask for CV joints, CV axles, or driveshafts for the front end of an NCP30/NCP31 bB.

Technical references consulted: Toyota bB (NCP30/NCP31) Repair Manual—Drivetrain/Axle and Steering sections, Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) for NCP30/NCP31, Toyota New Car Features for the 1NZ‑FE FWD platform. These documents show CV front drive shafts and no propeller shaft on standard 2WD bB models, and list the steering intermediate shaft with a universal joint.

Popular questions

Does a 2002 Toyota bB have universal joints in the drivetrain?
No. The bB is front‑wheel drive and uses CV joints on the front axles. There’s no prop shaft, so there are no driveline U‑joints to service. The only U‑joint you’ll typically find is in the steering intermediate shaft.

What should be serviced instead of universal joints on a 2002 bB?
Focus on the front CV joints and boots. Check boots for splits or grease leakage, listen for clicking on turns, and fix any vibration under load. Also give the steering column’s U‑joint a quick feel for stiffness or play during routine servicing.

How do you spot a worn steering column U‑joint on a bB?
Look for a notchy feel, a clunk over bumps, or free play at the wheel before the tyres respond. Visible corrosion or seized movement at the lower steering joint is another giveaway. If any of these show up, replacement of the intermediate shaft is the go‑to fix.