Parts for your 2006 Toyota Caldina-Universal joints

Are universal joints used on the 2006 Toyota Caldina?

Short answer: it depends on the drivetrain. Referencing Toyota’s technical documentation, the 2006 Caldina in front‑wheel drive form uses constant‑velocity (CV) joints on its front drive shafts and does not use propeller‑shaft universal joints. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (JDM EPC) for FWD variants (e.g., T24# FWD models such as AZT241/ZZT241) lists only front drive shafts with CV joints and no prop shaft. By contrast, the AWD variants (e.g., ST246W GT‑Four and AZT246 4WD) show a two‑piece propeller shaft with cross‑type universal joints and a centre support bearing in the EPC’s Propeller Shaft section. The Toyota Repair Manual and New Car Features for the T24# Caldina also describe the AWD layout with a rear diff and prop shaft that necessarily employs U‑joints.

Why some 2006 Caldinas don’t use universal joints: FWD Caldinas transmit drive solely through the transaxle and two CV‑jointed half‑shafts. CV joints deliver constant angular velocity even at large steering and suspension angles, avoiding the speed fluctuation inherent to a single Cardan (universal) joint. That’s why the driveline on FWD cars sticks with CVs and has no prop shaft U‑joints to service. Note: there is still a small steering intermediate shaft U‑joint in the column, but parts listings and servicing for “universal joints” typically refer to prop shaft joints in the drivetrain.

If you’ve got an AWD 2006 Caldina, then yes, universal joints are fitted on the propeller shaft. Here’s what that means for ownership and servicing. The prop shaft links the transfer output at the transaxle to the rear differential, and its universal joints let the shaft cope with changes in angle as the body moves over bumps and the driveline shifts under load. When the joints are healthy, torque flows smoothly and the car feels tidy on take‑off and at motorway speeds. When they’re tired, you’ll often notice a dull clunk on launch or shift, a buzz or shudder around 60–100 km/h, or a metallic chirp that changes with speed. Inspection is straightforward: with the car safely raised and the wheels chocked, rotate the prop shaft by hand and feel for backlash at each cross, check each bearing cup for play, rust staining or dried grease, and look over the centre support bearing while you’re there. From the factory, many Toyota prop shafts use staked, sealed cross bearings, so there’s no greasing nipple and no scheduled lubrication, the service action is inspection and, if worn, replacement. Toyota often supplies the prop shaft as an assembly, but reputable driveline shops can rebuild with circlip‑retained crosses where suitable. When replacing, mark flange orientations, keep the yokes in phase, torque the fasteners to the workshop manual spec, and have the assembly balanced if it’s been split. As a rule of thumb, get the U‑joints checked every 40–60,000 km or whenever you’re chasing a vibration after tyre, wheel or suspension work. Catching wear early saves the centre bearing and protects the diff and transfer from shock loads. It’s a tidy bit of preventative maintenance that keeps an AWD Caldina feeling tight and refined.

• Technical sources referenced: Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (JDM) for Caldina T24# series (Propeller Shaft and Drive Shaft sections), Toyota Caldina ST246/AZT246 Repair Manual (Propeller Shaft), Toyota New Car Features for T24# AWD layout.

Popular questions about 2006 Toyota Caldina universal joints

Do all 2006 Caldinas have universal joints, or only some?

Only the AWD variants (such as ST246W GT‑Four and certain AZT246 4WD models) use prop shaft universal joints. FWD models have CV‑jointed front half‑shafts and no prop shaft U‑joints.

The steering column does use a small U‑joint on all cars, but when people talk about “universal joints” for servicing, they usually mean the prop shaft joints found on AWD cars.

What symptoms point to worn prop shaft U‑joints on an AWD Caldina?

Common tells include a clunk on take‑off, a shudder or droning vibration at steady speeds, and a chirp or ringing that changes with road speed. You might also feel a driveline thud shifting from reverse to drive.

If you can safely raise the vehicle, check for free play at the crosses, rust weep around bearing caps, and perished centre support rubber. Any play is reason to repair before it takes out the centre bearing.

Can the U‑joints be replaced separately, or is it a whole prop shaft job?

From Toyota, the prop shaft is often supplied as an assembly because the factory joints are staked and sealed. However, many driveline specialists can rebuild the shaft with serviceable circlip‑type crosses where applicable.

Whichever route you take, keep the yokes in phase, follow workshop torque specs, and have the shaft balanced. That avoids new vibrations and protects the rear diff and transfer case.