Parts for your 2015 Toyota Bb-Universal joints

2015 Toyota bB universal joints – are they actually used?

Short answer: universal joints (U-joints) aren’t used in the 2015 Toyota bB’s front-wheel-drive driveline. Toyota’s technical references for the QNC20/QNC21 series bB — including the Drivetrain/Axle sections of the Toyota Repair Manual and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) — show front drive shafts with constant-velocity (CV) joints and no propeller shaft, which is where U-joints typically live on rear-wheel-drive or 4WD vehicles.

The bB’s transverse engine and FWD layout rely on CV joints to manage the larger steering and suspension angles at the front wheels, delivering smooth power without the speed fluctuation a traditional U-joint creates at higher angles. Toyota’s New Car Features (NCF) material for this platform also outlines the FWD configuration with equal-length shafts and CV joints to reduce torque steer — again, no mention of a tailshaft or U-joints in the driveline.

• What the 2015 bB does have: inner and outer CV joints on each front driveshaft, serviceable CV boots, and hub/bearing assemblies.
• What it doesn’t have: a rear propeller shaft or prop-shaft U-joints (because it’s not RWD/4WD).

There is a small caveat: the steering column’s intermediate shaft uses a compact cross-type joint (often called a steering U-joint). It’s part of the steering assembly, not the driveline. In Toyota’s Steering Column section, it’s typically serviced as a complete intermediate shaft if wear or corrosion causes stiffness or free play.

Chasing a knock, click, or vibration and thinking “U-joints”? On a bB, the usual suspects are CV joints (especially if a boot has split and flung grease), front wheel bearings, or tyre/wheel issues. If you’re feeling notchiness when turning the wheel, or there’s play at the column, have the steering intermediate shaft inspected. There’s no scheduled replacement interval for either the CV joints or the steering joint — they’re serviced on condition. During regular servicing, it’s smart to check CV boots for splits, listen for clicking on full lock, and ensure the steering feels smooth with no binding around centre.

Popular questions about 2015 Toyota bB universal joints

Does a 2015 Toyota bB have universal joints in the driveline?
Not in the driveline. It’s a FWD car, so it uses CV joints on the front axles. Toyota’s Repair Manual and EPC list no propeller shaft or prop-shaft U-joints for this model. The only “U-joint” you’ll encounter is in the steering intermediate shaft.

What should be checked instead of driveline U-joints on a bB?
Focus on the front CV joints and boots, front wheel bearings, and tyre/wheel balance if you’ve got noise or vibration. For steering tight spots or free play, inspect the steering intermediate shaft joint and column components.

Can the steering U-joint on a bB be lubricated or adjusted?
It’s generally non-serviceable. If it’s corroded, seized, or loose, the fix is usually replacement of the intermediate shaft assembly per the Steering Column section of the Toyota Repair Manual.