Parts for your 2007 Toyota Bb-Universal joints

2007 Toyota bB universal joints: what’s actually fitted and what matters for servicing

Based on Toyota’s technical literature, universal joints (U‑joints) are not part of the main driveline on the common 2007 Toyota bB front‑wheel‑drive models (QNC20/QNC21). The Drivetrain/Axle sections of the Toyota bB QNC2# Repair Manual and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog describe Birfield‑type constant‑velocity (CV) joints for the front drive shafts, not U‑joints. Toyota’s New Car Features for the QNC2# platform also notes that a propeller shaft (and therefore U‑joints) is introduced only on the 4WD variant (QNC25). In short: 2WD bB = CV joints up front, 4WD bB (QNC25) = propeller shaft with U‑joints. A small steering intermediate shaft U‑joint is present on all variants but is separate from the driveline.

Why U‑joints aren’t used on the 2WD bB’s driveline comes down to the front‑drive layout and the need for smooth torque delivery through large steering angles. CV joints keep wheel speed constant as the wheels turn and move with suspension travel, avoiding the speed fluctuation a simple U‑joint would create. That keeps NVH low and drivability tidy, which suits city use and open‑road cruising in Australia and New Zealand.

• Most 2007 bB (QNC20/QNC21): No driveline U‑joints, uses CV joints on front shafts.
• 2007 bB 4WD (QNC25): Has a rear propeller shaft with U‑joints and centre support.
• All variants: A steering column intermediate shaft uses a small U‑joint.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota bB QNC20/QNC21/QNC25 Repair Manual (Drivetrain/Axle and Propeller Shaft sections), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog for QNC2# series (Front Axle/Drive Shaft and Propeller Shaft diagrams), and Toyota New Car Features (QNC2#) outlining FF and 4WD layouts.

• Does the 2007 Toyota bB have universal joints?
  The typical 2WD 2007 Toyota bB uses CV joints on the front drive shafts and does not use driveline U‑joints. The 4WD model (QNC25) does have U‑joints on the propeller shaft to the rear differential. All variants have a small U‑joint on the steering intermediate shaft, which is separate from the driveline.
• What should be serviced if U‑joints aren’t fitted on a 2WD bB?
  For 2WD cars, attention should go to the CV joint boots and grease, front wheel bearings, and the steering intermediate shaft coupling. Split boots, grease sling, clicking on lock, or vibration under load are classic CV joint warnings. Inspect during routine servicing, especially if the vehicle sees rough roads across Aus/NZ.
• How can someone tell if their 2007 bB is 4WD and uses U‑joints?
  Check for a rear differential and a propeller shaft running down the tunnel, look for 4WD badging and the QNC25 model code on the build plate. A 4WD bB will list propeller shaft and rear final drive components in the Toyota EPC. Typical worn U‑joint symptoms include a clunk on take‑off, vibration at certain speeds, and play at the shaft yokes.