Parts for your 2013 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Universal joints

2013 Toyota Vitz/Yaris universal joints: are they used, and what should owners know?

For the 2013 Toyota Vitz/Yaris as sold in Australia and New Zealand (XP130 series, front‑wheel drive), universal joints (the Cardan type found on a rear prop shaft) aren’t used in the driveline. Toyota’s own technical literature backs this up: the New Car Features (NCF) for the XP130 platform and the Toyota Repair Manual sections on the Front Drive Shaft specify constant‑velocity (CV) joints—tripod inboard and Rzeppa outboard—paired to a transverse transaxle. There’s no propeller shaft on these FWD models, so there’s no driveline U‑joint to service. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for AU/NZ models lists front drive shafts with CV joints and boots, with no prop shaft assembly.

Why no universal joints? CV joints maintain constant rotational speed through large steering angles and suspension travel—ideal for a small FWD hatch. A traditional U‑joint varies speed through an angle and is better suited to a longitudinal prop shaft in rear‑ or all‑wheel drive layouts. The XP130’s compact FWD packaging, NVH targets, and turning angles are exactly why Toyota chose CV joints here.

Worth noting: the steering intermediate shaft does use small universal joints to couple the column to the rack. These are separate from the driveline and aren’t what most people mean when they say “universal joints” on a Yaris, but they can wear or bind with age.

• What to service instead of driveline U‑joints: inspect CV boots for splits, grease leaks, and clicking under load, replace boots promptly to avoid joint damage.
• Steering shaft U‑joints: if the wheel feels notchy or doesn’t self‑centre nicely, a technician can check the column coupler for corrosion or play and replace the intermediate shaft if needed.
• If you’ve got a Japan‑market 4WD Vitz variant (not common in AU/NZ), that model does use a propeller shaft with U‑joints. Check by VIN before ordering parts.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota New Car Features (NCF) for XP130 Vitz/Yaris, Toyota Repair Manual (Front Drive Shaft and Steering Column sections) for XP130, Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (AU/NZ market listings), Haynes Toyota Yaris 2006–2017 manual confirming CV joint front drive layout.

Popular questions about 2013 Toyota Vitz/Yaris universal joints

Does a 2013 Yaris in Australia or New Zealand have universal joints in the driveline?

No. AU/NZ‑spec 2013 Yaris models are front‑wheel drive and use CV joints on the front drive shafts, with no rear prop shaft and no driveline U‑joints. The only universal joints you’ll typically find are on the steering intermediate shaft.

What symptoms might point to an issue that’s “like a bad U‑joint” on a Yaris?

Clicking on acceleration while turning, grease flung around the inner guard, or vibration under load usually points to a worn CV joint or a split CV boot—common on FWD cars. A notchy steering feel or stiffness on-centre can be a worn steering shaft U‑joint rather than a driveline fault.

How should the driveline be serviced if there are no U‑joints?

During regular servicing, have the CV boots inspected for cracks or leaks, and listen for clicking on full lock. Replace any torn boots quickly to protect the CVs. If the steering feels rough, ask for a check of the steering column coupler, replacement of the intermediate shaft is straightforward if wear is found.