Parts for your 2006 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Universal joints

2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris — Are universal joints used?

For the 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP90 series) sold in Australia and New Zealand, traditional driveline universal joints (U-joints) are not used. Toyota’s technical literature and the Electronic Parts Catalogue for the FWD KSP90/NCP90/NCP91 variants show front drive shafts with constant velocity (CV) joints at both ends and no propeller shaft. The factory Repair Manual also details inspection and service of CV joints and boots on the front axles, not U-joints.

Why’s that the case? On front-wheel-drive cars like this Yaris, the front wheels need to steer and move up and down while delivering power. CV joints handle large angles smoothly and keep the drive speed constant, which avoids the vibration a single-cardan U-joint can introduce at bigger steering or suspension angles. That makes CV joints the right choice for the front axles.

There are a couple of edge cases worth noting. The Japanese-market 4WD Vitz (e.g., NCP95) uses a propeller shaft with U-joints, but that variant wasn’t offered in AU/NZ. Also, the steering column uses small universal joints in the intermediate shaft. These aren’t part of routine driveline servicing, but if there’s corrosion, stiffness, or play in the steering, they should be inspected and replaced as an assembly if worn—guidance you’ll find in Toyota’s steering section of the repair manual.

For owners chasing clunks or vibrations on a 2006 Yaris, it’s far more common to find a split CV boot, clicking on full lock from a worn outer CV, or a shudder under acceleration from an inner CV. Regular servicing should include a quick look at the CV boots for cracks or grease fling, and replacement of any damaged boots before dirt gets in and ruins the joint.

• FWD AU/NZ 2006 Yaris: CV joints on front axles, no driveline U-joints.
• Steering intermediate shaft: does use small U-joints, inspect if steering feels notchy or there’s free play.
• JDM 4WD Vitz: has a prop shaft with U-joints (not typical in AU/NZ).

Popular questions about 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris universal joints

Does a 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have universal joints?
For AU/NZ front-wheel-drive models, no driveline U-joints are fitted. They use CV joints on the front axles. The steering column does have small U-joints, and rare JDM 4WD versions (not commonly seen locally) use propeller-shaft U-joints.

What’s more likely to fail on this model—U-joints or CV joints?
CV joints and their rubber boots are the usual wear items. Clicking on turns, vibration on take-off, or grease flung around the wheel arch are classic CV symptoms. Driveline U-joint failure isn’t a thing on the local FWD Yaris because it doesn’t have them.

Do the steering column U-joints need regular servicing?
There’s no scheduled service for the steering U-joints. During routine checks, make sure steering is smooth and free of play. If there’s binding, rust, or a clunk through the column, the intermediate shaft (with its U-joints) should be inspected and replaced if worn.