Parts for your 2007 Toyota Blade-Universal joints

2007 Toyota Blade universal joints — what’s actually fitted

Based on Toyota’s technical literature for the E150-series Blade (the Japan-market premium Corolla hatch), universal joints aren’t part of the driveline on the 2007 Toyota Blade. The model is front‑wheel drive, using a transaxle (CVT K112 on the 2.4-litre and 6‑speed auto U660E on the 3.5-litre Blade Master) and a pair of front drive shafts with constant velocity (CV) joints — tripod inboard and Rzeppa outboard. That layout is shown in Toyota New Car Features (E150 series), the AXLE/DRIVE SHAFT section of the Toyota Repair Manual for ZRE/GRE15# models, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, all of which list CV joints and no propeller shaft or rear differential for this vehicle.

Why no universal joints? In a front‑wheel drive hatch that steers and drives through the front wheels, CV joints are the correct choice because they can transmit torque smoothly at the large steering angles the front hubs see. Traditional cross‑type U‑joints are great for a rear drive prop shaft, but they don’t keep constant angular velocity under load and steering lock, which would cause shudder and vibration at the front wheels. With no tailshaft on the Blade, there’s simply nowhere for a driveline U‑joint to go.

There is, however, a small universal joint on the steering intermediate shaft (a normal feature on most modern Toyotas). That joint lets the column angle change between the steering wheel and the rack. It’s not what people mean when they ask about “driveline U‑joints”, but if you’re chasing play, a clunk, or a notchy feel through the wheel, the steering shaft joint is worth a check per the Steering section of the Toyota Repair Manual.

For owners thinking “U‑joints”, the correct service focus on a 2007 Blade is the CV joints and boots. Keeping the CV boots intact and the grease clean will prevent the classic clicking on turns and vibration under load. If a boot tears, grime gets in, grease gets out, and the joint wears quickly.

• Inspect outer and inner CV boots at regular servicing (every 10,000–15,000 km or 6–12 months).
• Look for grease sling on the inner guards, cracks in the rubber, or dampness at the clamps.
• Listen for clicking on full lock (outer CV wear) and feel for shudder on take‑off (inner CV wear).
• Replace torn boots promptly, if noise has started, a complete shaft or joint is usually the fix.

Popular questions

Does the 2007 Toyota Blade have universal joints in the driveline?

No. The Blade is front‑wheel drive and uses CV joints on the front drive shafts. Toyota’s New Car Features and Repair Manual for the E150 series show no rear propeller shaft or differential, so there’s no place for driveline U‑joints. The only U‑joint on the vehicle is typically in the steering intermediate shaft.

What’s the difference between U‑joints and CV joints on a Blade?

U‑joints are simple cross bearings used mainly on rear‑drive tailshafts. They don’t maintain constant angular velocity at an angle. CV joints do, which is why Toyota fits tripod and Rzeppa CV joints to the Blade’s front shafts — they handle big steering angles smoothly without vibration.

What should be serviced instead of driveline U‑joints on a Blade?

Focus on the front CV joints and boots. Check boot condition and clamps, clean up any grease sling, and act fast on any tears. If there’s a click on turns or vibration under load, the affected CV joint or complete shaft may need replacement. Also check the steering intermediate shaft for play or notchiness.