Parts for your 2006 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Universal joints

2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris and universal joints: what’s actually fitted

Based on Toyota’s own technical literature for the XP90 series (2006 Vitz/Yaris) — including the New Car Features guide, the Repair Manual sections for Front Drive Shaft and Steering Column, and the Electronic Parts Catalogue — this vehicle does not use universal joints (U‑joints) in the drivetrain. It’s a front‑wheel‑drive transaxle layout with left and right front drive shafts that use constant velocity (CV) joints: an outboard Rzeppa‑type CV joint at the wheel end and an inboard tripod/DOJ CV joint at the transaxle end. There’s no propeller shaft and therefore no driveline U‑joints fitted from factory. The only universal joints on this model are small ones in the steering intermediate shaft, which are separate from the drive system and usually not what people mean when they say “universal joints”.

Why the absence of driveline U‑joints on this Yaris? Because CV joints are the correct choice for a compact FWD hatch. They keep drive smooth at large steering angles and through suspension travel without the speed fluctuations a traditional U‑joint introduces at an angle.

• Packaging: FWD transaxle eliminates the need for a rear prop shaft and its U‑joints, keeping the floor flat and the cabin roomy.
• Smoothness: CV joints maintain constant rotational speed, which reduces vibration and torque ripple when turning — ideal for city driving and tight parking.
• NVH and efficiency: Less driveline shudder and better refinement for everyday kilometres.
• Service logic: The service schedule targets CV boots, grease, and shaft condition, not prop‑shaft U‑joints.

If the owner’s chasing a “universal joint” noise on a 2006 Vitz/Yaris — think clicking on full lock, grease flung around the inner rim, or a shudder under throttle — they’re almost certainly dealing with CV joint or CV boot issues. On the steering side, the column’s tiny U‑joints can develop stiffness or free play with age, technicians check for binding, corrosion, and lash at service time, but that’s unrelated to the drivetrain.

FAQs

Does a 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have universal joints in the drivetrain?

No. The XP90 Yaris uses CV joints on its front drive shafts and doesn’t have a prop shaft with U‑joints. Only the steering intermediate shaft uses small U‑joints, which aren’t part of the drive system.

What noises point to joint issues on a 2006 Yaris?

Sharp clicking on full lock, grease sprayed around a front wheel, or vibration on acceleration usually points to a worn CV joint or split CV boot. Stiff or notchy steering near centre can indicate a dry or corroded steering column U‑joint.

Can universal joints be fitted instead of CV joints on a Yaris?

Not practically. The front‑drive layout needs CV joints to deliver constant speed at big steering and suspension angles. Swapping to U‑joints would create vibration and drivability issues and isn’t supported by Toyota parts or service procedures.