Parts for your 2013 Toyota Bb-Universal joints

2013 Toyota bB universal joints — are they actually used?

Short answer: for the common 2WD 2013 Toyota bB (QNC20 series), universal joints aren’t used in the driveline. That car runs front-wheel drive with constant velocity (CV) joints on the front shafts, and there’s no rear prop shaft to need a cardan-style universal joint. A small universal joint does exist in the steering intermediate shaft, but that’s a steering component rather than a driveline “U-joint”.

Technical sources referenced to confirm fitment and layout:

• Toyota bB Repair Manual (QNC20/QNC21, Drivetrain/Axle): specifies front drive shafts with Rzeppa-type outer CV joints and tripod-type inner joints for the FF model, and no propeller shaft on 2WD.
• Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for QNC20: no propeller shaft group for 2WD, universal joint listings appear under steering column as “Joint Assy, Steering Intermediate Shaft”.
• Toyota New Car Features (NCF) for QNC20 series: front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, CV-jointed front drive shafts for steering angles and torque delivery.

Why universal joints aren’t used on the 2013 bB’s driveline: the bB’s front-drive layout needs the wheels to both steer and drive, which demands constant velocity through a wide steering angle. CV joints deliver a steady rotational speed, smoothness and low vibration at high angles, a traditional cardan U-joint varies output speed with angle, which would cause shudder and torque fluctuation through the steering. With no rear diff or prop shaft on the 2WD, there’s simply nowhere a driveline U-joint would live.

What owners should look at instead: if someone’s chasing “universal joints” for a 2013 bB, odds are they actually need CV shaft assemblies, CV boots, or inner/outer CV joints. Typical symptoms include clicking on full lock, grease flung around the inner guards from split boots, or vibration under load. The steering intermediate shaft’s small U-joint can wear or seize (especially in coastal climates), if there’s a notchiness or free play in the wheel, that shaft is usually replaced as an assembly rather than serviced. If the car is an uncommon 4WD variant (QNC21), there may be a propeller shaft with joints—best to confirm by VIN before ordering parts.

Does a 2013 Toyota bB have driveline universal joints?

On the typical 2WD bB, no. It uses CV joints on the front axles and has no rear prop shaft. The only “U-joint” you’ll find is in the steering intermediate shaft, which isn’t part of the driveline.

What part should be replaced if there’s clicking on turns?

That’s classic outer CV joint wear. Inspect the CV boots for splits and grease loss. Most shops in Aus/NZ will replace the whole shaft assembly for reliability and time savings, especially if the joint has run dry.

How do you spot a worn steering column universal joint?

Look for notchy steering, a faint clunk over bumps, or rusted U-joint caps near the firewall. If there’s play, the fix is typically a new intermediate shaft rather than trying to lube the old joint.