Parts for your 2009 Toyota Wish-Universal joints

Are universal joints used on a 2009 Toyota Wish?

Short answer: on most 2009 Toyota Wish models seen in Australia and New Zealand (front‑wheel‑drive ZGE20/ZGE25), universal joints aren’t used in the driveline. Toyota’s New Car Features for the ZGE2# series and the Repair Manual specify front drive shafts with constant‑velocity (CV) joints, not Hooke‑type universal joints. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue also lists a propeller shaft with yokes and U‑joints only for the 4WD variant (ZGE22W). All variants do have a small steering intermediate shaft universal joint in the column, but that’s a steering part, not a driveline U‑joint.

Why they’re not used on the common FWD Wish: CV joints deliver constant rotational speed through large angles, which is exactly what the front wheels need when steering and moving through suspension travel. A simple universal joint (Hooke joint) creates speed fluctuations at angle, which would cause vibration and torque ripple at the front hubs. That’s why Toyota fits Rzeppa and tripod CV joints on the Wish’s half‑shafts, per the factory NCF and Repair Manual.

• FWD Wish (ZGE20/ZGE25): driveline uses CV joints only, no propshaft U‑joints.
• 4WD Wish (ZGE22W): has a rear propeller shaft with universal joints listed in the EPC.
• All variants: steering column uses a small U‑joint, unrelated to the drive shafts.

For anyone importing or servicing a 4WD ZGE22W Wish: that model does use universal joints on the rear prop shaft. Those U‑joints need periodic inspection for play, binding, or dried‑out seals as part of normal servicing. If the vehicle is FWD (the majority on ANZ roads), focus instead on CV boot condition, grease leaks, and any clicking under load on lock—those point to CV service, not U‑joints.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota New Car Features (ZGE2# series, 2009 launch), Toyota Repair Manual for Wish ZGE2#, and Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue entries for ZGE20/ZGE25 (FWD) and ZGE22W (4WD) propeller shaft assemblies.

Popular questions about 2009 Toyota Wish universal joints

Does my 2009 Toyota Wish have universal joints?
Most front‑wheel‑drive 2009 Wish models don’t have driveline U‑joints, they use CV joints on the front shafts. If it’s a 4WD ZGE22W, there will be universal joints on the rear propeller shaft. All versions have a small steering column U‑joint, which is separate from the driveline.

How can I tell if I’ve got a 4WD Wish with U‑joints?
Check the model code on the build plate or rego details: ZGE22W indicates 4WD. You can also look underneath—4WD cars have a prop shaft running to a rear differential. If you can see a shaft with yokes and cross bearings front and rear, it’s fitted with U‑joints.