Parts for your 2013 Toyota Rav4-Universal joints

2013 Toyota RAV4 universal joints: what’s fitted, what’s not, and how to look after them

Based on Toyota technical references such as the 2013 RAV4 Repair Manual (XA40 platform), the New Car Features guide, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, universal joints (U-joints) are fitted to 2013 Toyota RAV4 AWD models on the rear propeller shaft, while front‑wheel drive (2WD/FWD) models do not use U-joints. FWD variants rely solely on constant‑velocity (CV) joints at the front drive shafts and have no rear prop shaft. Many AWD prop shafts for this model year use sealed, non‑greasable U-joints and a centre support bearing.

Why some 2013 RAV4s don’t use universal joints: the 2WD layout packages the transaxle and front axles up front, so torque doesn’t need to be sent rearward. CV joints handle the steering and suspension movement at the front with smoother operation at larger angles, which suits a FWD independent front suspension far better than U-joints. Without a rear prop shaft, there’s simply nowhere a U-joint would be required.

For AWD 2013 RAV4s, the universal joints on the propeller shaft do an unsung job—transmitting drive to the rear differential while allowing for suspension travel and slight misalignment between the gearbox and the rear end. Typically, there’s a U-joint at each end of the shaft, with a rubber‑isolated centre support bearing to keep everything steady. On this generation, the U-joints are usually sealed for life, which means there are no grease nipples and they aren’t part of routine lubrication during servicing.

What to watch for on a 2013toyotarav4 universaljoints setup: tell‑tales include a faint vibration at highway speeds, a clunk on take‑off or when shifting from reverse to drive, or a chirping/metallic squeak at low speed that changes with road speed. A technician will check for free play at the joints, the condition of the cap seals, rust staining, and the centre bearing’s rubber support. Because the assembly is balanced at the factory, any removal should be match‑marked so it goes back in the same orientation. In many cases, Toyota supplies the complete propeller shaft as a unit when wear is found, as the staked U-joints aren’t designed to be serviced individually. That said, some driveline specialists in Aus and NZ can rebuild and rebalance these shafts with quality greasable U-joints if desired.

Recommended servicing approach for AWD owners:

• Road test for vibrations and shudder every 20,000–30,000 km.
• Inspect the prop shaft U-joints and centre bearing during scheduled services (especially before long trips).
• If replacement is needed, use new flange bolts, maintain phasing, and torque to spec to avoid balance issues.
• Aftermarket rebuilt options can add greaseable joints, but ensure proper balancing and reputable workmanship.

With the right checks, the AWD RAV4’s universal joints will deliver quiet, drama‑free kilometres across Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions about 2013toyotarav4 universaljoints

Does every 2013 RAV4 have universal joints?

No. Only AWD models have universal joints on the rear propeller shaft. FWD models don’t have a rear prop shaft, so they use CV joints at the front only and no U-joints anywhere in the driveline.

If you’re unsure which you’ve got, look underneath for a prop shaft running to the rear diff—if it’s there, it’s AWD and uses U-joints.

Are the RAV4’s universal joints serviceable or greasable?

On most 2013 AWD RAV4s the factory U-joints are sealed and non‑greasable, with no routine lubrication required. When worn, Toyota typically specifies replacing the complete propeller shaft assembly.

Some driveline specialists offer rebuilds with quality greasable U-joints and rebalancing. That’s a viable option if done by a reputable shop.

What are the signs the universal joints are failing?

Common symptoms include a speed‑related vibration, a clunk on take‑off or shifting between drive and reverse, and occasional chirping or squeaking that tracks with vehicle speed.

Any of those signs warrant an inspection for play at the joints, rust dust around the caps, and the condition of the centre support bearing.