Parts for your 2015 Toyota Crown-Universal joints

2015 Toyota Crown universal joints

Based on technical sources including Toyota Service Information (TIS) for the S210-series Crown (Drivetrain/Axle — Propeller Shaft) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue illustrations for the 210-series, universal joints (U‑joints, also called spider bearings) are fitted to the 2015 Toyota Crown’s propeller shaft. As with many late-model Toyota rear‑wheel‑drive platforms, these U‑joints are typically sealed and not intended to be serviced separately from the propeller shaft assembly.

On this Crown, the U‑joints sit at each end of the propeller shaft (and there’s a centre support bearing on two‑piece shafts). Their job is simple but critical: they let the shaft transmit torque while accommodating the small changes in angle between the transmission and the differential as the suspension moves. That keeps everything smooth when taking off, cruising the motorway, or rolling over bumps.

Most OEM U‑joints on the S210 Crown are non‑greaseable and staked in from the factory, so routine servicing is about inspection rather than lubrication. During regular servicing, a good workshop will check for play at the joints, look for rust-coloured dust around the caps, verify the condition of the centre support bearing, and make sure the flange bolts are tight. If any roughness, notchiness, or free play is found, the practical fix is usually to replace the complete propeller shaft assembly or have a driveline specialist rebuild it with serviceable joints and then balance it.

Tell‑tale signs the Crown’s U‑joints are on the way out include a clunk when shifting from Reverse to Drive, a vibration that shows up around 60–100 km/h, a shudder on take‑off, or a chirp/squeak that speeds up with road speed. Left alone, worn joints can accelerate wear in the pinion seal and mounts, so it’s worth sorting early.

• Inspection cadence: have the prop shaft and U‑joints checked at regular services (every 20,000–30,000 kilometres is a sensible rhythm, or sooner if the car tows or sees rough roads).
• Replacement: if the joints are staked and worn, plan on a complete shaft replacement or a specialist rebuild and balance. Mark phasing before removal and always use manufacturer torque specs on reassembly.
• Greasing: unless a driveline shop has fitted greaseable joints, there’s nothing to lube — they’re sealed for life.

Technical references: Toyota Service Information (TIS) — S210 Crown Drivetrain/Axle: Propeller Shaft, Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for 210‑series Crown propeller shaft and spider bearing illustrations.

Popular questions

Does a 2015 Toyota Crown have universal joints?
Yes. Toyota’s service literature for the S210 Crown shows U‑joints on the propeller shaft, with a centre support bearing on two‑piece shafts. They’re typically sealed, non‑greaseable units, replaced with the shaft assembly or rebuilt by a driveline specialist.

What symptoms point to worn U‑joints on a Crown?
Common giveaways are a clunk shifting between Drive and Reverse, a vibration at highway speeds under load, a shudder on take‑off, or a speed‑related squeak. Any play felt at the joint caps during inspection is a red flag.

Can the Crown’s U‑joints be serviced or greased?
From factory, they’re normally staked‑in and sealed, so there’s no grease nipple. If converted to serviceable joints by a specialist, they should be greased on a regular service interval and the shaft rebalanced.