Parts for your 2012 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Cv boots

2012 Toyota Vitz/Yaris CV boots: what they do and how to look after them

CV boots are absolutely fitted to the 2012 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP130 series). Toyota’s Repair Manual for the XP130 front axle/drive shaft section describes outboard Rzeppa and inboard tripod joints, each sealed by rubber boots. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue also lists front drive shaft boot kits for NSP/NCP130 variants, and general service guides such as the Haynes Yaris 2011–2019 manual call for routine inspection of CV boots on these models. So yes—CV boots are relevant on this car.

On the 2012 Vitz/Yaris, the front driveshafts use two CV joints per side, each protected by a flexible rubber boot packed with special moly CV grease. The boot keeps the grease in and the grit, water, and road grime out, while flexing as the wheels steer and the suspension moves. Without a healthy boot, the joint runs dry and wears fast, often leading to that familiar clicking on turns.

Given the age of a 2012 vehicle, the original rubber can be getting tired. As part of regular servicing, a quick visual check of all four front boots (inner and outer, left and right) is smart maintenance. A proper inspection means looking for grease spray around the inside of the wheel or under the guard, checking for splits or perishing in the rubber, and making sure the stainless clamps are snug and not weeping.

• Typical warning signs: grease slung on the rim or strut, hairline cracks in the folds, torn clamps, clicking while turning, or shudder under acceleration.
• If a boot is split or leaking, replace it immediately to protect the joint—waiting often turns a cheap boot job into a full driveshaft replacement.

Replacement is straightforward with the correct boot kit, new clamps, and the specified high‑moly CV grease. It’s best practice to clean the joint thoroughly, pack the right amount of grease, fit quality clamps with a proper banding tool, and torque the axle/hub fasteners to spec after reassembly. Genuine or OE‑equivalent boots tend to last longer than bargain options, which matters for owners who clock plenty of kilometres on Aussie or Kiwi roads.

Note: The common AU/NZ 2012 Vitz/Yaris is front‑wheel drive with a torsion‑beam rear, so there are no rear CV boots on those models. Rare AWD variants (mainly Japanese domestic market) do have rear CV boots.

• Does the 2012 Vitz/Yaris have CV boots front and rear?
  Most AU/NZ cars are front‑wheel drive only, so they have CV boots on the front driveshafts and none at the rear. Some JDM AWD versions exist, those have rear CV boots as well. If unsure, a quick look under the rear of the car will show either a simple torsion beam (no boots) or rear drive shafts (boots fitted).
• Can a split CV boot be repaired without replacing the whole shaft?
  Yes. If the CV joint hasn’t been running dry or contaminated, a boot‑only replacement is fine. A proper boot kit with the right grease and clamps is the preferred fix. “Split” or glue‑on boots are a temporary stop‑gap at best and aren’t recommended for long‑term reliability.
• How long can it be driven with a torn boot?
  It’s risky to keep driving. Dust and water quickly chew out the joint, turning a small job into a pricier shaft replacement. If a tear is found, plan a prompt boot change and joint clean, if there’s already clicking on lock, the joint may need replacing.