Parts for your 2013 Toyota Hiace-Cv joint

2013 Toyota Hiace CV Joint — What’s actually fitted

For Australia and New Zealand–spec 2013 Toyota Hiace (H200 series, common model codes TRH201R/TRH221R and KDH201R/KDH221R), a CV joint isn’t a relevant service item because those vans are rear‑wheel drive with a solid rear axle and non‑driven front hubs. Technical references that support this include the Toyota Hiace (H200) Repair Manual on Toyota TIS (Drivetrain: Propeller Shaft and Front Axle Hub sections), which details a propeller shaft with cross‑type universal joints (U‑joints) and no front drive shafts on RWD models, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the above RWD model codes, which lists no front drive shafts or CV joints, and mainstream workshop manuals (e.g., Gregory’s/Haynes for Hiace 2005–2017) that describe RWD Hiace driveline layouts without front CV joints.

Why no CV joints? The Hiace’s rear‑wheel drive layout uses a propeller shaft to carry torque to a live rear axle. That shaft handles angles with U‑joints, and the rear axle’s half‑shafts run inside the housing to the hubs, so there’s no need for the constant velocity joints used on independent, driven wheels. Up front, the hubs just steer and brake, they’re not driven, so there are no front drive shafts to require CV joints.

• What’s fitted instead: a propeller shaft with U‑joints and often a centre support bearing.
• Rear end: live axle with differential, no CVs at the wheels.
• Front end: serviceable wheel bearings, ball joints and tie‑rod ends, but no CVs.

Important exception: certain Japanese‑market 4WD Hiace variants (e.g., KDH206/KDH209) from the same H200 family do run front drive shafts with inboard and outboard CV joints. The Toyota EPC and the 4WD driveline sections in the H200 Repair Manual show these parts clearly. If a 2013 Hiace in AU/NZ is a grey‑import 4WD, then CV joints absolutely apply at the front.

For local RWD vans, the smart service focus is on U‑joints and the centre bearing (listen for clunks or vibration under load), front wheel bearings (hum at speed), and rear axle seals/bearings (signs of weeping). If it is a 4WD import, inspect CV boots every 10,000–15,000 km, look for grease fling on the inside of the front wheels, and chase any clicking on full lock or shudder on take‑off—classic CV joint red flags.

Popular questions about 2013 Toyota Hiace CV joints

Does a 2013 Toyota Hiace have CV joints?
Most AU/NZ‑delivered 2013 Hiace vans are RWD and don’t have CV joints. They use a prop shaft with U‑joints and a live rear axle. However, Japanese‑market 4WD Hiace models from the same generation do have front CV joints. If the van has a front diff and half‑shafts, it’s a 4WD and CVs apply.

What should be serviced instead of CV joints on a RWD Hiace?
Focus on the propeller shaft U‑joints and centre bearing, rear axle seals/bearings, and front wheel bearings. Steering ball joints and tie‑rod ends are worth regular checks too. These items cover the wear points you’d normally worry about if there were CV joints on a front‑drive or AWD setup.

How can someone confirm if their Hiace needs CV joint attention?
Check the model code and the hardware. Codes like KDH206/KDH209 indicate 4WD. Physically, a 4WD Hiace will have a front differential, front drive shafts going to each front wheel and usually a 4WD selector. If those are present, inspect CV boots for splits and listen for clicking on lock.