Parts for your 2005 Toyota Ist-Universal joints

2005 Toyota ist universal-joints: what’s fitted and what to service

Based on Toyota technical sources, universal-joints are only partly relevant to the 2005 Toyota ist. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) shows no propeller shaft or driveline universal-joints on front‑wheel drive models NCP60/NCP61, they use constant‑velocity (CV) joints on the front driveshafts instead. However, the EPC and Toyota Repair Manual list a propeller shaft with cross‑type universal-joints on the 4WD variant (NCP65). All grades also use a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft. So, universal-joints aren’t part of the front drive axles on FWD ist models, but they are present on the 4WD driveline and in the steering column across the range (Toyota EPC, Toyota New Car Features and Repair Manual – Chassis/Propeller Shaft and Steering sections).

If fitted to a 2005 Toyota ist (i.e., NCP65 4WD or when discussing the steering intermediate shaft), universal-joints serve as flexible couplings that transmit rotation between misaligned shafts. On the 4WD driveline, they sit at each end of the prop shaft, coping with suspension travel and angle changes while sending torque rearward. On the steering column, a compact universal joint links the column to the rack, maintaining positive steering feel through slight angle changes.

Good universal-joints keep things smooth and quiet. When they wear, expect a tell‑tale clunk as you select drive or lift off the throttle, droning or vibration at certain road speeds, or a notchy feel at the wheel. Because many Toyota small‑car prop shafts use sealed or staked cross joints, there’s often no grease nipple, once play or roughness develops, the cure is replacement of the joint by a driveline specialist or, in some cases, the shaft assembly. Steering column UJs are similarly compact and typically replaced as an assembly if there’s binding or corrosion.

For Kiwi and Aussie owners, a practical approach is to inspect universal-joints during routine servicing or ahead of a WOF/roadworthy check:

• With the vehicle safely raised, rotate the prop shaft by hand (4WD) and feel for free play or notchiness at each cross.
• Look for rust bleed at the caps, dried sling marks, or cracked seals.
• Check the steering intermediate shaft for stiffness through centre and any audible click as the wheel is rocked.

If there’s any doubt, sort it promptly—failed universal-joints can escalate to vibration that damages bearings and mounts. Replacement is straightforward for a driveline shop with a press and alignment know‑how, most owners will prefer a professional to ensure correct phasing and balance. After fitment, a short road test to confirm smooth take‑up and no vibration at 60–100 km/h is the go. Keep tyres balanced and mounts healthy, and those universal-joints will generally give long, quiet service.

Does every 2005 Toyota ist have universal-joints?

All models have a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft. Only the 4WD NCP65 has driveline universal-joints on the prop shaft. The common FWD NCP60/NCP61 use CV joints on the front axles instead, so “universal-joints” aren’t part of their driveline.

What are the signs a universal-joint needs replacing on an ist?

Clunks when selecting drive or on overrun, vibration at certain speeds, and rust bleed around the bearing caps are classic. On the steering side, a notchy or sticky feel as you turn the wheel points to a tired intermediate shaft joint.

Can the universal-joints be greased, or are they sealed?

On many small Toyotas the factory joints are sealed (no grease nipples). Once wear or binding shows up, the fix is replacement—either the cross itself by a driveline specialist or, in some cases, the complete prop or steering shaft assembly.