Parts for your 2013 Toyota Bb-Universal joints

2013 Toyota bB universal joints: what’s actually on the car

Based on Toyota’s technical literature for the second‑generation bB (QNC20/21/25, 2005–2016) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, the typical 2013 Toyota bB is a front‑wheel drive transaxle vehicle that uses constant velocity (CV) joints on its front drive shafts, not universal joints (U‑joints). The Drivetrain/Axle sections of the Toyota Repair Manual and New Car Features describe inner tripod and outer Rzeppa CV joints on the front axles and list no propeller shaft for 2WD grades, which is where U‑joints would normally live. The Steering section, however, does show a small universal joint on the intermediate steering shaft. Note: some Japan‑market bB variants (QNC25) were available with 4WD, those use a rear propeller shaft with U‑joints. If the vehicle in question is a common 2WD import, U‑joints aren’t part of the driveline.

Why the 2013 bB doesn’t use universal joints in the driveline comes down to how a FWD transaxle works and what it needs. CV joints transmit drive at a constant speed even while the front wheels steer and the suspension moves — something a traditional single Cardan U‑joint can’t do without speed fluctuations, vibration, and harshness.

• CV joints maintain constant velocity at large steering angles, single U‑joints don’t, causing cyclic speed variation.
• FWD packaging eliminates the long propeller shaft where U‑joints usually sit on RWD/4WD vehicles.
• NVH targets are tighter on compact runabouts like the bB, CVs are smoother under typical steering and cornering loads.

So, for a 2WD 2013 Toyota bB, “universal joints” aren’t a service item in the driveline. What is relevant are the CV joints and their rubber boots — keep boots intact and clean, and replace promptly if split to avoid CV wear. The one U‑joint you will find is in the steering intermediate shaft. Toyota’s steering column and shaft diagrams list this joint as a sealed, non‑greasable component, during routine servicing, a tech should check for rust binding, notchiness, or free play at centre, especially on vehicles that live outdoors or near the coast in Aus/NZ. If there’s a clunk on small steering inputs, stiffness after rain, or the wheel doesn’t self‑centre smoothly, that steering U‑joint may need replacement. Referencing Toyota Global Service Information (TIS) and the bB Steering section will give the correct removal/installation steps and torque specs.

Popular questions about 2013 Toyota bB universal joints

Does a 2013 Toyota bB have universal joints?

On most 2WD 2013 bB models, there are no driveline U‑joints, the car uses CV joints on the front axles. There is, however, a small universal joint on the steering intermediate shaft.

If the vehicle is a 4WD QNC25 grade, it does have propeller‑shaft U‑joints at the rear. Checking the model code or for a rear differential will confirm which setup is fitted.

What symptoms point to a bad universal joint on a bB?

For 2WD cars, a failing U‑joint would most likely be the steering intermediate joint: feel for a notch, bind, or clunk when turning the wheel slightly off centre, or poor self‑centring. These issues can worsen after wet weather due to corrosion.

If the car is 4WD, worn prop‑shaft U‑joints can cause driveline vibration that changes with road speed, and a thunk on take‑off or when shifting from drive to reverse.

Is there any servicing for the bB’s universal joints?

The steering U‑joint is sealed and not designed for greasing, servicing is inspection and replacement if play or binding is found. During regular servicing, a quick check for rust, stiffness, or free play is worthwhile.

While not U‑joints, the front CV boots should be inspected every service. Replacing cracked or split boots early saves the CV joints and avoids bigger bills down the track.