Parts for your 2009 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Universal joints

2009 Toyota Vitz/Yaris universal joints — what’s actually fitted

Here’s the thing: on a 2009 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP90 series), traditional driveline universal joints (prop-shaft U-joints) aren’t used. Toyota’s technical literature shows the car is front-wheel drive with a transaxle and two front half‑shafts that use constant velocity (CV) joints, not U‑joints. Sources: Toyota New Car Features (NCF) for the NCP90 series, the Toyota Repair Manual Drivetrain/Axle section for XP90, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for 2009 Vitz/Yaris. Those documents detail inboard tripod‑type CV joints and outboard Rzeppa‑type CV joints, and there’s no propeller shaft or cardan U‑joint in the driveline. The only “universal joint” you’ll find is in the steering intermediate shaft, which is a separate system from the drivetrain.

Why no driveline U‑joints? A U‑joint causes speed fluctuation through its operating angle, which can lead to vibration. A front‑wheel‑drive hatch like the Vitz/Yaris needs constant velocity at large angles while the wheels steer and the suspension moves. That’s exactly what CV joints deliver, so Toyota spec’d CVs front and rear on each shaft (outer Rzeppa for steering angle, inner tripod for plunge). It’s the right tool for the job, which is why you won’t see prop‑shaft U‑joints on this model.

If someone’s shopping for “universal joints” for a 2009 Vitz/Yaris, they’re usually chasing one of two things:

• Front drive CV joint/shaft service: check CV boots at each service or around every 10,000–15,000 km. Look for splits, grease fling inside the wheel, or clicking on full lock. A torn boot needs prompt attention to save the joint, a clicking joint will typically need an outer CV or complete shaft replacement. Always use the specified high‑moly CV grease and proper boot clamps.
• Steering intermediate shaft U‑joint: if the steering feels notchy, has play, or there’s a clunk over bumps, inspect the column coupler. On many Yaris/Vitz variants this joint is replaced as part of the intermediate shaft assembly. Correct steering wheel alignment and torque specs should be followed during refit.

Bottom line: the 2009 Vitz/Yaris doesn’t use driveline U‑joints, because CV joints are the correct solution for its FWD layout. If a parts listing shows a “universal joint” for this car, it’s almost certainly the steering column coupler, not a prop‑shaft item.

Popular questions about 2009 Toyota Vitz/Yaris universal joints

Does a 2009 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have universal joints?
Not in the driveline. The XP90 Vitz/Yaris uses CV joints on the front half‑shafts. There is, however, a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft. That steering U‑joint is separate from the transmission and axles and is serviced differently.

What should I service instead of driveline U‑joints on a Yaris?
Keep an eye on the CV boots and shafts. At regular servicing, look for split boots, grease around the inner rim of the wheel, or clicking when turning. Repair torn boots early to protect the joint, and replace the affected CV or complete shaft if noise or roughness is present.

Can the steering column U‑joint be replaced on its own?
On many variants the worn joint is replaced with the intermediate shaft assembly. Symptoms include notchy or stiff steering and a small amount of play. Replacement is straightforward for a workshop, and the wheel should be recentred with correct torque settings on reassembly.