Parts for your 2007 Toyota Wish-Universal joints

2007 Toyota Wish universal joints — what’s fitted and what to service

Based on Toyota’s technical literature and parts catalogues, a 2007 Toyota Wish in front‑wheel drive (ZNE10/ANE10) form does not use universal joints (U‑joints) in the front drive shafts. Those shafts use constant‑velocity (CV) joints. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue lists CV jointed half‑shafts for these models and no driveline U‑joints. However, the 4WD/AWD variant (e.g., ZNE14G) is built with a two‑piece propeller shaft running to the rear differential, and that assembly employs universal joints and a centre support bearing. Toyota New Car Features and Repair Manual coverage for this platform also describes the FWD transaxle with CV joints, and a prop shaft with U‑joints for the AWD layout.

For owners of the AWD 2007 Wish, the universal joints are there to transmit torque down the prop shaft while allowing for angle and length changes as the body and rear diff move. They keep the rear drive smooth and reliable over Kiwi and Aussie roads, coping with suspension travel and minor alignment shifts without binding or vibration.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to have the prop shaft U‑joints and centre support bearing inspected every 20–40,000 kilometres, or sooner if there’s a driveline vibration. Most Toyota OE U‑joints on the Wish are sealed and non‑greasable, so maintenance is primarily inspection rather than lubrication. A technician will check for red dust around the caps, play in the joint, stiffness or notchiness when the shaft is articulated by hand, and cracking in the support bearing rubber.

Common signs the U‑joints need attention include:

• A dull clunk on take‑off or when shifting from reverse to drive
• A steady vibration that rises with road speed (often worse around 60–90 km/h)
• Chirping or squeaking at low speed that changes with vehicle movement

If wear is found, many workshops will replace the propeller shaft assembly or the individual U‑joints if serviceable parts are available. Marking the flanges before removal helps maintain balance and phasing on re‑fit. Always use the correct torque on flange bolts and check the centre bearing preload/alignment. After replacement, a short road test to confirm the vibration is gone is good practice. Keeping these basics in check helps the AWD Wish stay quiet, smooth and dependable without chewing through tyres or stressing the rear diff.

For FWD Wishes, driveline U‑joints simply aren’t used, focus maintenance on the CV boots and joints instead.

Popular questions

Does a 2007 Toyota Wish have universal joints?
FWD models don’t use driveline U‑joints, they run CV‑jointed front shafts. AWD/4WD variants do have U‑joints on the propeller shaft to the rear differential, along with a centre support bearing.

What are the symptoms of worn U‑joints on an AWD Wish?
Look for a take‑off clunk, a speed‑related vibration, or a chirp/squeak at low speeds. Any rust‑coloured dust around the bearing caps or stiffness when the shaft is flexed by hand is a red flag.

How often should the U‑joints be checked or replaced?
Have them inspected every 20–40,000 km or during scheduled servicing. Replacement is on condition, sealed OE joints aren’t greasable, so once they develop play or bind, they should be renewed—often with the prop shaft assembly if the joints aren’t serviceable separately.