Parts for your 2012 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Universal joints

2012 Toyota Vitz/Yaris universal joints – are they used?

For most 2012 Toyota Vitz/Yaris models sold in Australia and New Zealand (front‑wheel drive), universal joints on the drivetrain aren’t fitted or relevant. These cars use constant velocity (CV) joints on their front drive shafts and do not have a propeller shaft, which is where universal joints typically live. Toyota’s 2012 Yaris/Vitz Repair Manual (Drivetrain/Axle – Front Drive Shaft) details outboard Rzeppa and inboard tripod CV joints, while the Propeller Shaft section applies only to 4WD variants. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue likewise lists a propeller shaft with spider (U‑) joints only for 4WD Vitz models, not for standard 2WD cars. There is, however, a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft, which is separate from any driveline “universal joint” people usually ask about.

Why aren’t universal joints used on the typical 2012 Vitz/Yaris driveline? With a transverse engine and FWD layout, the car sends power directly to the front wheels via CV shafts. CV joints maintain constant rotational speed across angles, which makes them ideal for front wheels that both steer and move with suspension travel. A single Cardan universal joint introduces velocity fluctuation at larger angles, so manufacturers reserve U‑joints mainly for prop shafts on rear‑ or all‑wheel drive layouts. On the 2WD 2012 Vitz/Yaris there’s no prop shaft—so no driveline U‑joints to service.

If you’re chasing a clunk or vibration and were thinking “U‑joint”, on a 2WD Yaris it’s more likely a worn CV joint or torn CV boot, a tired engine mount, or (less commonly) a loose steering intermediate shaft joint. For the CVs, regular servicing should include checking the rubber boots for splits and grease leaks, if a boot’s torn, catch it early to save the joint.

• Toyota Yaris/Vitz 2012 Repair Manual: Drivetrain/Axle – Front Drive Shaft (CV joints specified for 2WD).
• Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue: Propeller Shaft with U‑joints listed for 4WD Vitz only, not listed for 2WD models.
• Toyota Steering – Column/Intermediate Shaft: shows a steering U‑joint separate from the driveline.

Note: Japan‑market 4WD Vitz models of this generation do have a propeller shaft with universal joints. That configuration wasn’t offered new in AU or NZ.

FAQs

Does a 2012 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have driveline universal joints?
For 2WD models commonly found in Australia and New Zealand, no. They use CV joints on the front shafts and have no prop shaft. Only Japan‑market 4WD versions of this generation feature propeller‑shaft U‑joints.

I’m getting a clunk or vibration — could it be a U‑joint on my 2WD Yaris?
Unlikely. On a 2WD Yaris, look first at the front CV joints and boots, engine/trans mounts, and wheel bearings. A worn steering intermediate shaft joint can also knock, but it’s separate from the driveline.

What should be checked instead of universal joints during servicing?
Inspect CV boots for splits or grease fling, listen for clicking on full lock (worn outer CV), check for play in the shafts, and make sure engine and transmission mounts are sound. Fixing a torn boot early can prevent a full CV joint replacement.