Parts for your 2007 Toyota Blade-Universal joints

2007 Toyota Blade universal-joints: are they used, and what should owners know?

Based on Toyota’s technical literature, universal-joints are not fitted to the 2007 Toyota Blade’s driveline. The Toyota New Car Features (E150 Auris/Blade), the Repair Manual sections for AXLE/DRIVESHAFT on models AZE154H (2.4L) and GRE156H (3.5L), and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue all show a front‑wheel‑drive transaxle with left and right drive shafts that use constant velocity (CV) joints. There’s no rear differential or propeller shaft on these models, so the cross‑type universal-joints you’d see on a rear‑drive tailshaft aren’t present. The only “U‑joint” on a Blade is the small universal coupling in the steering intermediate shaft, which is a different system from the drivetrain.

Why no universal-joints in the driveline? The Blade’s front axles need to transmit torque at large steering angles while the suspension moves up and down. CV joints (outer Rzeppa and inner tripod/double‑offset types, as detailed in Toyota’s NCF and Repair Manual) deliver constant rotational speed and allow axial movement (“plunge”). Traditional universal-joints don’t keep rotational speed constant at an angle, which would cause vibration, shudder and uneven torque delivery—no good for a front‑drive hatch. With no prop shaft to the rear, there’s simply nowhere a conventional driveline U‑joint would be used.

• Driveline: Front CV joints on both halfshafts, no tailshaft U‑joints.
• Steering: An intermediate shaft does use a small universal coupling (separate part and service procedure).
• Service tip: Clicking on turns, shudder on acceleration, or grease flung around the inside of a front wheel are classic CV joint/boot issues, not a universal-joint fault.

If the goal is to sort a noise or vibration, start with a visual check of the CV boots for splits or leaking grease, then inspect for play in the outer joints. Replace damaged boots early to avoid wrecking the joint. Many workshops in Australia and New Zealand will fit complete replacement shafts when a joint is worn, as it’s often more economical and reliable. Always follow Toyota’s torque specs for the axle nut and suspension fasteners after any CV or hub work.

Popular questions about 2007 Toyota Blade universal-joints

Does a 2007 Toyota Blade have universal-joints in the driveline?
No. The driveline uses CV joints on the front halfshafts. Toyota’s E150 New Car Features, Repair Manual (AXLE/DRIVESHAFT), and EPC confirm there’s no propeller shaft or rear universal-joints on this model.

What’s making a clicking noise when turning—could it be a universal-joint?
On a Blade, clicking on full lock is almost always the outer CV joint. Check the outer boot for splits and lost grease. If the joint clicks consistently, a replacement CV or complete shaft is typically the fix.

Is there any universal-joint anywhere on the car?
Yes, the steering column’s intermediate shaft uses a small universal coupling. If steering feels notchy or there’s free play, that coupling may need inspection or replacement, but it’s unrelated to the driveline CV joints.