Parts for your 2010 Toyota Wish-Universal joints

2010 Toyota Wish universal joints – are they used, or not?

Short answer: classic driveline universal joints (the cross-and-bearing type on a prop shaft) aren’t used on a 2010 Toyota Wish. This generation Wish (ZGE20/ZGE25 series) runs a front-wheel drive transaxle with two front drive shafts that use constant-velocity (CV) joints, not universal joints. That’s how Toyota engineered it from the factory, and it’s backed by Toyota service literature and parts catalogues.

Why no universal joints? In a front-wheel drive layout, each front axle has to steer and move up and down while delivering smooth power. CV joints (Rzeppa outer and tripod/DOJ inner) keep the wheel turning at a constant speed through a range of angles, which avoids the pulsing you’d get from a single U-joint. Universal joints are brilliant for simple prop shafts on rear- or all-wheel drive vehicles, but they’re not suited to the high steering angles and constant articulation on front axles.

What the Wish does have is a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft. That’s normal across loads of modern Toyotas, but it’s a steering component rather than a driveline U-joint, and it’s not a routine service item unless there’s play, noise or binding.

So if someone’s hunting “universal joints” for a 2010 Wish, what they usually need is attention to the CV gear instead. It’s smarter to:

• Inspect CV boots at each service for splits and grease fling.
• Listen for clicking on full lock, or vibrations under acceleration.
• Replace torn boots promptly to save the joint, or fit quality complete shafts if wear’s advanced.
• Torque axle nuts correctly and use fresh hub nuts/cotter pins where specified.

Technical sources worth checking (no links):

• Toyota Wish ZGE20/ZGE25 New Car Features – FF drivetrain layout with CV-jointed front drive shafts.
• Toyota Repair Manual – Drivetrain/Axle: Front Drive Shaft (CV joint types and service), Steering: Intermediate Shaft (U-joint on column).
• Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) – ZGE20/ZGE25: listings for front drive shaft assemblies and CV boots, no propeller shaft or cross-and-bearing U-joint entries.
• Bosch Automotive Handbook, Driveline chapter – FWD applications use CV joints rather than universal joints for constant angular velocity.

Bottom line for local owners in Aus and NZ: there’s no rear prop shaft to service on a 2010 Wish, so no driveline U-joint to replace. Keep an eye on the CV boots and joints, and only worry about the steering U-joint if there are symptoms like notchiness or free play in the wheel.

Popular questions about 2010 Toyota Wish universal joints

Does a 2010 Toyota Wish have universal joints in the drivetrain?
Not in the driveline, no. It’s a front-wheel drive setup with CV joints on the front axles. The only universal joint you’ll find is on the steering intermediate shaft, which isn’t the same thing and isn’t part of routine driveline servicing.

What should be serviced instead of universal joints on a 2010 Wish?
Focus on CV boots and joints. Check boots every service, look for grease spray and splits, and listen for clicking on turns. Replace damaged boots early to avoid replacing the whole shaft. Correct torque on the axle nut and proper grease are musts.

Are there AWD 2010 Wish models that use prop shaft U-joints?
Toyota’s ZGE20/ZGE25 Wish for this era is catalogued primarily as front-wheel drive. Toyota’s EPC for these codes doesn’t show a propeller shaft or cross-and-bearing U-joints. If in doubt with a grey import, confirm by VIN and a quick underbody check—no centre prop shaft means no driveline U-joints.