Parts for your 2012 Toyota Blade-Universal joints

2012 Toyota Blade universal-joints — are they actually used?

Short answer: a traditional driveline universal joint isn’t fitted to the 2012 Toyota Blade. Technical references including the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) for the E150-series Blade (AZE154H/GRE156H), Toyota New Car Features (NCF) for the Auris/Blade platform, and the Toyota Repair Manual all show the Blade is front‑wheel drive with a transaxle and front drive shafts that use constant‑velocity (CV) joints — not propeller shafts with U‑joints. The EPC lists no propeller shaft assembly for this model, which is where universal joints would normally live on a rear‑wheel drive or 4WD vehicle.

Why no universal-joints? On a front‑wheel drive hatch like the Blade, the front wheels both steer and drive. That calls for CV joints (Rzeppa/tripod types) because they can run at larger angles and maintain constant rotational speed without the “speed fluctuation” a single Cardan U‑joint creates. That smooth, constant velocity is crucial when the wheels are turned at full lock, under load, and at various ride heights — exactly the situations a Blade sees around town and on Kiwi and Aussie highways.

There is a small exception: the steering column uses an intermediate shaft with small cross‑type joints to transmit steering input. Those are universal joints by design, but they’re part of the steering column assembly, not the driveline. When someone asks for “universal-joints” for a 2012 Blade, they’re usually chasing a front CV joint/shaft issue, not a driveline U‑joint.

• Clicking on turns, split rubber boots, or grease flung around a front wheel arch: typically a worn outer CV joint/boot.
• Notchy or stiff steering near centre, or a clunk felt through the wheel over bumps: could be wear in the steering intermediate shaft U‑joint.

If a workshop has recommended U‑joint replacement on a Blade, it pays to clarify whether they mean the front CV joints (often serviced as complete drive shaft assemblies) or the steering intermediate shaft. The Toyota Repair Manual sections “Front Drive Shaft” and “Steering Column” cover inspection, free play checks, and torque specs. Parts catalogues for the E150 Blade list complete front shaft assemblies and boots, but no propeller shaft or rear U‑joints because the vehicle isn’t configured that way.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (E150 Blade AZE154H/GRE156H), Toyota New Car Features (Auris/Blade drivetrain layout), Toyota Repair Manual: Front Drive Shaft and Steering Column (intermediate shaft) sections.

• Does the 2012 Toyota Blade have universal joints in the driveline?
  Not in the driveline. It’s a front‑wheel drive setup with CV joints on the front shafts. The only universal joints are in the steering intermediate shaft.
• Hearing a click on turns — is that a U‑joint?
  That’s almost always the outer CV joint or a torn CV boot losing grease. On a Blade, order the correct front drive shaft/CV parts rather than a U‑joint.
• Can the steering column U‑joint be replaced separately?
  Many times the intermediate shaft is replaced as an assembly. If there’s stiffness, rust, or free play, inspection per the Toyota Repair Manual will confirm whether the shaft needs swapping.