Parts for your 2014 Holden Barina-Universal joints

2014 Holden Barina universal-joints: what’s actually fitted and what to service

For the 2014 Holden Barina (TM series), traditional driveline universal-joints (the cross-and-bearing “U-joints” used on a rear prop shaft) aren’t fitted or serviced. This Barina is front‑wheel drive and uses constant velocity (CV) joints on its left and right front drive shafts, with no propeller shaft at all. That’s straight from the factory documentation and catalogues: Holden Barina TM Service Manual – Driveline/Axle: Front Drive Axle, GM Global Electronic Parts Catalogue (TM Barina), and the platform twin’s Chevrolet Sonic (T300) Workshop Manual – Driveline Overview.

Why no universal-joints? In a FWD layout, the gearbox sits up front and sends power to the front wheels via half‑shafts. CV joints maintain a constant rotational speed through large steering and suspension angles, which keeps things smooth and quiet. A simple U-joint changes angular velocity as it rotates when run at an angle, which would cause shudder and vibration on a FWD front axle. That’s why manufacturers specify CVs instead. Those same sources list Rzeppa‑type outer CVs and tripod‑type inner CVs for the Barina, not U-joints.

Worth noting: there is a small universal joint on the steering intermediate shaft, but it’s part of the steering column assembly and typically replaced as a complete shaft if worn (see Steering – Intermediate Steering Shaft procedures in the Sonic/Barina manuals). It isn’t what parts stores mean by “universal-joints” for drivelines, and it isn’t a routine service item.

So, if someone’s chasing a “universal-joint” for a 2014 Barina, what they likely need is attention to the CV shafts. Common service checks include:

• Inspect CV boots for splits, grease flinging, or clamps worked loose.
• Listen for clicking on full lock (outer CV wear) or shudder under load (often inner CV or engine/trans mounts).
• If a CV fails, many techs replace the complete shaft for reliability and time savings.

If there’s free play or notchiness felt through the steering and everything else checks out, a technician may check the intermediate steering shaft (with its tiny U-joint). But for driveline power transfer on the 2014 Barina, universal-joints simply aren’t the part in question.

Does a 2014 Holden Barina have universal-joints?

Not in the driveline. It uses CV joints on the front half‑shafts and has no rear prop shaft. There is a small U-joint on the steering intermediate shaft, but that’s part of the steering assembly and not a routine service item.

I hear a clicking noise when turning. Is that a universal-joint?

On a Barina, clicking on full lock almost always points to an outer CV joint, not a U-joint. Check the outer CV boot for tears or lost grease. If damaged, the usual fix is a new CV shaft or joint, depending on parts availability and workshop preference.

Can the steering column U-joint be replaced by itself?

Generally, workshops replace the complete intermediate steering shaft rather than the tiny U-joint alone. That’s the repair approach described in the factory procedures, and it helps ensure proper fit and safety.