Parts for your 2006 Toyota Ractis-Universal joints

2006 Toyota Ractis universal joints — are they actually used?

Short answer: for most 2006 Toyota Ractis models (the common 2WD NCP100), universal joints aren’t a relevant driveline part. Toyota’s repair literature for the Ractis (NCP100/105) shows the front drive system uses constant-velocity (CV) joints, not universal joints, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) lists no propeller shaft on 2WD variants. CV joints are essential on front-wheel-drive cars because they keep wheel speed constant at big steering angles, something a traditional universal joint can’t do without vibration. These points are supported by Toyota’s Repair Manual sections on “Front Drive Shaft” and the EPC listings for the 2WD powertrain layout.

There is an exception: the 4WD Ractis (NCP105) does have a propeller shaft running to the rear differential, and Toyota’s EPC shows universal-joint style couplings on that shaft assembly. Also, like many Toyotas, all variants use a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft. So “universal joints” aren’t part of the 2WD driveline, but they can exist elsewhere on the vehicle depending on spec.

Why universal joints aren’t used on the 2WD Ractis driveline:

• Its transaxle and half-shafts use CV joints to maintain constant velocity at large steering and suspension angles (Toyota Repair Manual — Drivetrain/Axle).
• There’s no propeller shaft on 2WD, so no place for traditional U-joints (Toyota EPC, Ractis NCP100 powertrain layout).
• Using U-joints in front drive shafts would introduce speed fluctuation, noise and vibration under steering — not acceptable for a FWD passenger car.

What owners should do instead: if it’s a 2WD Ractis, there’s no universal-joint to service in the driveline. Focus on inspecting CV boots for splits and grease sling, listening for clicking on full lock, and checking for vibration under load — all classic CV joint cues. If your car is a 4WD (NCP105), a rhythmic vibration under acceleration or a clunk on take-up could point to wear in the propeller shaft U-joints, noting many Toyota small-car prop shafts are serviced as an assembly rather than rebuilding staked U-joints.

Quick ways to tell which you have:

• Look underneath: 4WD has a prop shaft to a rear diff, 2WD doesn’t.
• Chassis code: NCP100 is typically 2WD, NCP105 typically 4WD (verify on the build plate).

Technical references: Toyota Ractis (NCP100/105) Repair Manual — Drivetrain/Axle and Steering, Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for Ractis — front drive shaft (CV joints) and, for 4WD, propeller shaft assemblies with universal-joint couplings.

Popular questions

Does a 2006 Toyota Ractis have universal joints?
Most 2WD Ractis (NCP100) don’t have driveline universal joints, they use CV joints on the front shafts. The 4WD Ractis (NCP105) does have universal joints on the propeller shaft to the rear diff. All variants typically have a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft.

How do I know if my Ractis needs universal-joint service?
If it’s 4WD, symptoms like a driveline clunk on take-up or a speed-related vibration can indicate a worn prop shaft U-joint. Many Toyota small-car prop shafts are replaced as a complete unit. On 2WD models, similar symptoms are more likely CV joints or wheel bearings rather than a U-joint.

What should a 2WD Ractis owner service instead of universal joints?
Keep an eye on CV boots and listen for clicking on full lock. Also check the steering intermediate shaft for play or stiffness at the small universal joint. Replace any split boots promptly to protect the CV joints and avoid bigger bills down the track.