Parts for your 2012 Toyota Blade-Universal joints

2012 Toyota Blade universal joints: what’s actually fitted and what isn’t

Short answer: the 2012 Toyota Blade doesn’t use driveline universal joints (U‑joints). It’s a front‑wheel‑drive (FF) hatch based on the E150 platform, and Toyota engineered it with constant‑velocity (CV) joints on the front half‑shafts rather than U‑joints. That layout is detailed in Toyota’s service information for Auris/Blade E150 series and reflected in the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, which lists front drive shafts with inboard/outboard CV joints and no propeller shaft for FF variants. U‑joints are typically used on a rear propeller shaft in rear‑ or four‑wheel‑drive vehicles.

There is, however, a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft on the Blade. That’s a different animal to the big driveline U‑joints people usually search for, and it isn’t a routine service item unless there’s play, binding, or corrosion. Steering column U‑joints are shown in Toyota EPC and the repair manual as part of the steering shaft sub‑assembly.

If someone’s chasing “2012 Toyota Blade universal joints” for a vibration, clunk or clicking noise on take‑off or cornering, the smart money is on the front CV joints or related hardware, not a driveline U‑joint. CV joints are designed to run smoothly at higher operating angles and steering articulation, which is why Toyota specifies them on FF models like the Blade. Driveline U‑joints don’t handle constant steering angles as well and would introduce vibration in a transverse FWD setup.

• Why U‑joints aren’t used in the Blade’s driveline:
  • Front‑wheel‑drive architecture with no rear propeller shaft to carry U‑joints (Toyota Repair Manual/Auris–Blade E150 platform).
  • CV joints provide constant velocity through large steering and suspension angles, ideal for front axles.
  • Parts listings for FF Blade variants show CV half‑shafts only, “propeller shaft” is not applicable (Toyota EPC).
• What to service instead:
  • Inspect front CV boots for splits and grease leaks every service or 10,000–15,000 km.
  • Listen for clicking on full lock (outer CV) or shudder on acceleration (inner CV). Replace the affected joint or complete shaft if worn.
  • Check the steering intermediate shaft for free play or notchiness, replace the shaft assembly if the U‑joint binds.

Technical references: Toyota Repair Manual for Auris/Blade E150 series (FF driveline with CV joints), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (front drive shafts listed, no propeller shaft on FF), and standard drivetrain design practice for FF vehicles.

Popular questions about 2012 Toyota Blade universal joints

Does a 2012 Toyota Blade have driveline U‑joints?

No. The Blade is front‑wheel drive and uses CV joints on the front half‑shafts. There’s no rear prop shaft, so the typical serviceable driveline U‑joints don’t exist on this model.

It does have a small U‑joint in the steering intermediate shaft, but that’s separate from the driveline and rarely needs attention unless there’s play or binding.

What should be checked if there’s a clunk or vibration that seems like a bad U‑joint?

Start with the front CV joints and boots, inner and outer, along with engine and trans mounts, lower control arm bushes, and wheel bearings. Many “U‑joint‑like” symptoms on a Blade trace back to worn CVs or mounts.

If the steering feels notchy or there’s play at the wheel, inspect the steering intermediate shaft U‑joint for corrosion or stiffness.

Do the steering column U‑joints on a Blade need regular servicing?

They’re not a scheduled service item. During routine servicing, a quick check for free play, rust staining and smooth movement is enough. If there’s binding or looseness, replace the intermediate shaft assembly rather than trying to lubricate it.

Use OEM‑quality parts and follow torque specs from the Toyota repair manual when refitting the shaft to maintain steering feel and safety.