Parts for your 2016 Toyota Camry-Universal joints

2016 Toyota Camry — Are universal joints relevant?

Short answer: not for the driveline. The 2016 Toyota Camry (XV50 series) is front‑wheel drive and uses constant‑velocity (CV) joints on its two front drive shafts, so there’s no rear propeller shaft and no driveline universal joints to replace. Toyota’s service literature for the XV50 Camry — including the Repair Manual sections for Axle/Front Drive Shaft and the New Car Features (NCF) — describes a transaxle with CV joint half‑shafts and no tailshaft or rear differential. Those same manuals do show a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft between the column and rack, that joint is typically serviced by replacing the intermediate shaft assembly rather than the joint by itself.

Why no universal joints in the driveline? CV joints maintain constant rotational speed through large angles, which is ideal for a front‑wheel‑drive layout where the front wheels both steer and drive. Traditional universal joints introduce speed fluctuation at higher angles, which can add vibration and noise. By design, the Camry’s FWD packaging, NVH targets, and efficiency goals are better met with CV joints up front and no prop shaft out back. That’s why Toyota specifies outer Rzeppa‑type and inner tripod‑type CV joints on the front shafts in the factory manual, not universal joints.

What should a Camry owner keep an eye on instead? For driveline knocks or clicking on turns, look to the CV joints: split boots, flung grease, or play at the joints are the tell‑tales. Replace the affected shaft assembly and use new axle nut and circlip as per the Repair Manual, then torque to spec. As for the steering intermediate shaft universal joint, symptoms of wear or corrosion include notchy or stiff steering around centre or a faint clunk through the column over bumps. Toyota typically supplies the intermediate shaft as a complete assembly, if there’s measurable play or binding, replace the assembly and verify the steering wheel is centred and the spiral cable is protected during the job. Regular servicing should include a quick visual of CV boots for cracks and a feel check of steering smoothness. If anything feels off, a qualified tech can confirm whether it’s a CV joint, a steering u‑joint, or something else (like an engine mount or wheel bearing).

• Technical sources referenced: Toyota Camry (XV50) New Car Features, Toyota Repair Manual (2015–2017) sections for Front Drive Shaft and Steering Column/Intermediate Shaft.

FAQs

Does a 2016 Toyota Camry have universal joints in the driveline?
No. It’s a front‑wheel‑drive setup with CV joints on the front half‑shafts and no rear prop shaft. The only universal joint on most cars is in the steering intermediate shaft, not the driveline.

What symptoms might make someone think there’s a bad universal joint on a Camry?
Clunks, vibration under load, or clicking while turning are common complaints. On a 2016 Camry, those are far more likely to be a worn CV joint, a tired engine mount, or a wheel bearing. A failing steering intermediate shaft u‑joint feels different: notchy, stiff, or slightly clunky feedback through the steering wheel, especially near centre.

How should the Camry’s CV joints and steering intermediate shaft be looked after?
Check CV boots for splits and grease spray every service. If a boot’s torn or the joint clicks on turns, replace the axle assembly and torque the new hardware to spec. For the steering shaft, inspect for corrosion or free play and replace the assembly if binding or play is present, it’s generally not a grease‑and‑go item.