Parts for your 2007 Toyota Prius-Universal joints

2007 Toyota Prius universal joints — are they even a thing?

Short answer: not in the driveline. The 2007 Toyota Prius (NHW20) is front‑wheel drive and uses constant‑velocity (CV) joints on its front drive shafts, not universal joints. Toyota’s technical literature backs this up — the New Car Features (NCF) manual for NHW20 and the Toyota Repair Manual (Drivetrain/Axle – Front Drive Shaft sections) describe inner tripod and outer Rzeppa CV joints and make no mention of a propeller shaft or driveline U‑joints. There’s simply no rear driveshaft to need them.

What the Prius does have is a small universal joint built into the steering intermediate shaft. That’s listed in Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalog as the Intermediate Shaft Assembly, Steering (often shown as No. 1 or No. 2). It’s part of the steering column linkage, not the powertrain, and it isn’t a routine service item unless there’s play, stiffness or corrosion.

Why doesn’t the 2007 Prius use universal joints in the driveline? Three good reasons:

• Front‑wheel‑drive packaging: no long prop shaft to the rear, so no need for U‑joints.
• Smooth power delivery: CV joints keep a constant angular velocity through larger steering and suspension angles, ideal for FWD cars.
• Hybrid transaxle layout: the MG1/MG2 and planetary gearset sit in a compact front transaxle, driving the front shafts with CVs.

If someone’s chasing a noise or vibration and thinking “universal joint”, the more likely culprits on a 2007 Prius are the CV joints or tyres/wheels. Typical CV symptoms include clicking on full lock, split or greasy boots, and vibration under load. For the steering U‑joint, watch for notchy steering feel around centre or visible rust on the intermediate shaft under the dash/at the firewall. Any looseness in the steering link should be sorted promptly.

Servicing tips for this model:

• Inspect CV boots at each service, replace boots early to save the joint.
• If a CV clicks or has play, replace the affected shaft assembly rather than trying to rebuild on‑car.
• Check the steering intermediate shaft for free movement and no excessive play, replace the shaft if binding or wear is found.

Popular questions

Does a 2007 Prius have universal joints in the drivetrain?
No. Technical manuals for the NHW20 show front drive shafts with CV joints and no rear prop shaft, so there are no driveline U‑joints to service or grease.

Where is the universal joint on a 2007 Prius?
In the steering column’s intermediate shaft. It connects the column to the steering gear. It’s not a regular maintenance item, but if there’s stiffness, clunks or corrosion, the shaft assembly is replaced.

What should be checked instead of universal joints during servicing?
Focus on CV boots/joints, front wheel bearings, and tyre balance. For steering feel issues, inspect the intermediate shaft U‑joint for play or binding.