Parts for your 2010 Toyota Bb-Universal joints

2010 Toyota bB universal joints: what’s actually on the car?

Based on Toyota’s technical literature for the QNC20/QNC21-series bB (2010 model year) — including the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), the Repair Manual (RM) “Drive Shaft” section, and the New Car Features (NCF) for the FF layout — the 2010 Toyota bB does not use universal joints (U-joints) in its drivetrain. It’s a front‑wheel‑drive hatch, so it runs front half‑shafts with constant velocity (CV) joints rather than a rear propeller shaft with U‑joints. That’s why you won’t find a prop shaft or greasable cross bearings listed for the 2010 bB in the EPC. There is, however, a small U‑joint in the steering intermediate shaft — that’s separate from the drivetrain.

Why no universaljoints in the driveline? The bB’s FF packaging and turning geometry demand smooth power delivery through large steering and suspension angles. CV joints (Rzeppa outboard, tripod inboard) maintain constant angular velocity through those angles, which a traditional cardan U‑joint can’t do without adding a second joint and still introducing speed fluctuation. Toyota’s RM procedures focus on CV boot integrity, joint grease, and half‑shaft replacement — not U‑joint overhaul — further backing that the driveline relies on CVs.

What about the steering? The bB’s steering column uses an intermediate shaft with a compact U‑joint to transmit steering input at an angle. It’s a sealed, non‑greaseable component, if there’s play, stiffness, or a notchy feel, Toyota’s service approach is to replace the intermediate shaft assembly. For everyday servicing in Aus and NZ, that means during a service, WOF/COF, or rego check, a tech should quickly assess for free play at centre and feel for binding while turning lock‑to‑lock. No routine lubrication is specified.

• Typical driveline symptoms on a bB that people mistake for “universaljoints” are actually CV issues — think clicking on turns, split boots flicking grease, or vibration under load.
• Steering U‑joint concerns show up as a notch, tight spot, or clunk felt through the wheel, often worse after water ingress or if the column was disturbed.
• If you hear a knock accelerating straight ahead, also consider engine mounts or stabiliser links before blaming any “U‑joint”.

Bottom line: for a 2010 Toyota bB, universaljoints aren’t a driveline service item — CV joints are. The only U‑joint you’ll encounter is on the steering intermediate shaft, and that’s a replace‑as‑an‑assembly job if it’s worn. Keep CV boots tidy, sort any grease leaks early, and you’ll be sweet for many more kilometres.

Popular questions

Does a 2010 Toyota bB have universal joints in the drivetrain?

No. The 2010 bB is front‑wheel drive and uses CV joints on the front half‑shafts. The only U‑joint on the vehicle is in the steering intermediate shaft, not the driveline.

What’s causing a clicking noise on turns — is that a universaljoint?

That’s almost always a worn outer CV joint or a split CV boot flicking out grease. Universaljoints aren’t used in the bB’s driveline, so check the CV boots and play at the front wheels first.

Is the bB’s steering universaljoint serviceable?

It’s a sealed unit. There’s no scheduled lubrication, if there’s play, stiffness, or a notch, the typical fix is replacing the steering intermediate shaft assembly.