Parts for your 2009 Toyota Bb-Universal joints

2009 Toyota bB universal joints: are they actually used?

Short answer: for most 2009 Toyota bB models (FWD, model code QNC20), universal joints aren’t used in the driveline. That call is backed by the Toyota bB (QNC20/21) Repair Manual and Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue entries for the Front Drive Shaft and Propeller Shaft assemblies. Those sources show the bB’s front drive axles use constant velocity (CV) joints, and there’s no prop shaft on the common FWD grades. The only universal joint you’ll generally find is a small one on the steering intermediate shaft, not part of the engine-to-wheel drive path.

Why no driveline universal joints on the typical 2009 bB? It’s a transverse, front‑wheel‑drive layout. FWD cars need joints that keep wheel speed uniform at big steering and suspension angles, and that’s exactly what CV joints are for. Traditional universal joints (cardan joints) are brilliant on straight-ish prop shafts in rear‑ or all‑wheel drive setups, but they introduce speed fluctuation at larger angles, which would cause vibration and shudder on a FWD axle under lock.

• Packaging: The bB’s compact FWD platform doesn’t have a centre propeller shaft, so there’s nowhere a driveline U‑joint would live.
• Joint type: The front axles use an outboard Rzeppa CV and an inboard tripod CV joint, as detailed in Toyota’s Drivetrain/Axle – Front Drive Shaft service procedures.
• Exception: The steering column’s intermediate shaft uses a small U‑joint assembly, covered under the Steering section of the repair manual. That affects steering feel, not engine torque to the wheels.

Heads‑up for owners in Australia and New Zealand: there is a less common 4WD variant (QNC21) in the bB family. On those, a rear propeller shaft is fitted and universal joints are part of that assembly. If the vehicle is a 4WD grade, driveline U‑joints can indeed be relevant.

For the mainstream 2009 Toyota bB FWD, chasing a clunk, vibration, or clicking on turn? Look first to CV joints and boots, wheel bearings, lower control arm bushes, engine/gearbox mounts, and tyre issues. CV joint tell‑tales include a rhythmic click on full lock (outer joint) or shudder under load in a straight line (inner joint). Torn CV boots should be sorted quickly before grit and water trash the joint. The steering intermediate U‑joint, if worn, tends to cause notchiness or a sticky return-to-centre feel rather than driveline thumps.

Service tips the workshop will usually follow on a 2009 bB FWD: inspect CV boots each service, use the correct moly grease when rebooting, torque axle nuts to spec, and road‑test under varying loads. Save “universal joint” parts searches for 4WD grades or the steering shaft only.

Popular questions about 2009 Toyota bB universal joints

Does a 2009 Toyota bB have universal joints in the driveline?

On the common FWD 2009 bB (QNC20), no—its front axles use CV joints and there’s no prop shaft. The only U‑joint you’ll typically find is on the steering intermediate shaft.

If yours is a 4WD grade (QNC21), it will have a rear propeller shaft with universal joints, which are serviced as part of the driveline.

What causes a clunk or clicking on my 2009 bB—could it be a universal joint?

On FWD bB models, clicking on turns usually points to an outer CV joint, while shudder under acceleration can suggest an inner CV joint or a worn mount. A driveline U‑joint isn’t present on FWD grades, so it won’t be the culprit there.

If the vehicle is a 4WD variant, a worn prop shaft U‑joint can cause vibration that changes with road speed, typically felt even when coasting.

Is there a universal joint in the steering column on a 2009 bB, and should it be serviced?

Yes, the steering intermediate shaft uses a small U‑joint. If it wears, drivers may notice stiff, notchy steering or poor return‑to‑centre. It’s usually replaced as an assembly rather than repaired, and inspection sits under standard steering checks.

Any play or binding found during a WOF or routine service is a good cue to replace the intermediate shaft before it worsens.