Parts for your 2009 Toyota Blade-Universal joints

2009 Toyota Blade universal joints — are they used, and what to service instead

Short answer: traditional driveline universal joints (cardan U‑joints) aren’t used on the 2009 Toyota Blade. Technical sources that cover the Blade/Auris platform make this clear: the Toyota Repair Manual (Drivetrain/Axle — Front Drive Shaft) and New Car Features for AZE156H/GRE156H specify a front‑wheel‑drive transaxle with left and right front drive shafts using constant‑velocity (CV) joints. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for these models lists no propeller shaft assembly, which is where U‑joints would normally live on rear‑ or all‑wheel‑drive layouts. Model specs for the Blade also note FWD only, paired to a CVT (2.4L) or 6‑speed automatic (V6), again confirming there’s no rear prop shaft and therefore no driveline U‑joints.

Why no U‑joints? The Blade’s FWD layout needs smooth power delivery while the front wheels steer and move through suspension travel. CV joints maintain constant rotational speed at larger angles, preventing vibration and shudder. Traditional U‑joints introduce speed fluctuation at angle and are typically reserved for straight‑through prop shafts in RWD/4WD vehicles. So, on a 2009 Blade, “universal joints” as a driveline service item simply don’t apply.

What should owners look at instead? The service‑relevant equivalents are the front CV joints and boots, plus the steering intermediate shaft coupler (which is a small universal joint on the column, separate from the driveline). If there’s a rhythmic clicking on tight turns, think outer CV joint. A shudder under load that eases off‑throttle can hint at an inner CV issue. A light clunk or notchiness when turning the wheel at low speed can point to the steering intermediate shaft joint.

• Inspect CV boots at each service (around 10,000–15,000 km): look for splits, thrown grease, or perished rubber.
• If a boot is torn, replace the boot and grease promptly to save the joint, if the joint clicks, a full driveshaft or joint replacement is smarter.
• Use the correct Toyota‑spec moly CV grease and always fit a new axle nut. Re‑torque to spec and road‑test for vibration.
• For steering feel issues, check the intermediate shaft coupler for play or binding and replace if needed.

Popular questions about 2009 Toyota Blade universal joints

Does a 2009 Toyota Blade have driveline universal joints?
Not in the driveline. The Blade is FWD with CV joints on the front shafts and no propeller shaft. Toyota Repair Manual and New Car Features for AZE156H/GRE156H, plus the Toyota EPC, confirm there’s no rear prop shaft assembly. It may have a small universal‑type joint in the steering column, but that’s unrelated to the driveline.

What sounds like a bad U‑joint on a Blade?
Clicking on full lock is usually an outer CV joint. Vibration under acceleration often points to an inner CV joint, a worn engine mount, or a tyre/wheel issue. A clunk or notchiness when turning the wheel at parking speeds is more likely the steering intermediate shaft coupler.

What should be serviced instead of U‑joints on a Blade?
Focus on front CV boots and joints, plus the steering intermediate shaft coupler. Check boots each service, replace torn boots quickly, and use the correct grease and new hardware during CV work. If steering feel is notchy or clunky, have the intermediate shaft inspected and replaced if worn.