Parts for your 2002 Toyota Crown-Universal joints

2002 Toyota Crown universal joints

Based on Toyota’s own technical literature, universal joints are used on the 2002 Toyota Crown. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for the S170 series Crown (1999–2003) lists a two‑piece propeller shaft with cross‑type universal joints and a centre support bearing on rear‑wheel‑drive models. The Factory Service Manual (Drivetrain – Propeller Shaft section) and New Car Features documentation for the S170 platform likewise describe U‑joints at the front and rear of the prop shaft, and a small universal joint in the lower steering intermediate shaft. So, yes—universal joints are absolutely relevant to this vehicle.

On a 2002 Crown, the driveline U‑joints let the propeller shaft transmit power from the gearbox to the differential while the axle and transmission move on their mounts. They allow smooth rotation at slight angles, helping keep things quiet and vibe‑free when the car’s loaded, cornering, or braking. With a two‑piece shaft and centre bearing, correct joint phasing and condition are key to eliminating shudder and protecting the gearbox and diff.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the U‑joints every service interval. Many Crowns left the factory with sealed, non‑greasable joints (“sealed for life”), so there’s no zerk to grease—but they still need checking. Look and feel for: play at the flanges, rusty dust around the bearing caps, dry or torn seals, and any notchiness when the shaft is articulated by hand (with the car safely raised and the shaft unloaded). On the road, tell‑tales include a clunk on take‑off or when shifting from drive to reverse, a cyclic vibration around 60–90 km/h, or a chirp/squeak at low speed.

• If aftermarket greasable joints are fitted, give them a quality lithium‑moly grease at each engine oil service or roughly every 10,000–15,000 km, and after water crossings.
• When replacing, mark the flanges so the shaft goes back in the same orientation, keep the yoke phasing aligned, and torque the flange bolts correctly with thread locker.
• Many S170 prop shafts use staked, non‑serviceable joints—best practice is to have a driveline specialist replace the joints and rebalance the shaft, or fit a complete replacement shaft.
• After any U‑joint work, check the centre support bearing and diff/gearbox mounts, then road‑test for vibration.

Keeping the Crown’s U‑joints in top nick preserves driveline smoothness, guards the centre bearing and diff, and makes the big Toyota feel as refined as it should.

Popular questions

Does a 2002 Toyota Crown use U‑joints or CV joints in the rear driveshaft?
It uses cross‑type universal joints on the propeller shaft. While some rear‑drive cars use a CV at one end, the S170 Crown’s factory setup is U‑joints with a centre support bearing. The steering column also has a small universal joint on the lower intermediate shaft.

How often should the U‑joints be serviced or replaced?
There’s no fixed replacement interval for the factory sealed joints—inspect them at each service and replace on signs of wear (play, vibration, noise, or leaking caps). If aftermarket greasable joints are fitted, grease them every 10,000–15,000 km or at each oil change, and sooner if the car sees water or dust.

Can a home mechanic replace the Crown’s U‑joints?
If the shaft has staked joints, a driveline shop is recommended—they’ll press in the new joints, set correct clearances, and rebalance the shaft. If fitting a complete replacement shaft at home, support the vehicle safely, mark orientations for phasing, torque the flange bolts properly, and check for vibrations on the test drive.