Parts for your 2016 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Universal joints

2016 Toyota Vitz/Yaris universal joints — are they actually used?

Short answer for Australia and New Zealand models: universal joints aren’t used in the driveline of the 2016 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP130 series). These cars are front‑wheel drive and use constant‑velocity (CV) joints on the front drive shafts, so there’s no rear propeller shaft and no driveline U‑joints to service. This is confirmed by Toyota’s technical literature: the 2016 Yaris brochure for AU/NZ lists front‑wheel drive only, the Toyota Repair Manual for NSP/NCP13# covers “Front Drive Shaft” with inboard/outboard CV joints, and the Toyota EPC shows a steering intermediate shaft with a small universal joint, but no prop‑shaft U‑joints for FWD variants.

Why no U‑joints in the driveline? FWD packaging puts the engine and transaxle up front, sending power to the front wheels via CV joints that can handle larger steering angles while maintaining constant rotational speed. Traditional cross‑type universal joints are typically used on rear prop shafts in rear‑ or all‑wheel drive vehicles, which the AU/NZ Yaris isn’t.

There is, however, a universal joint in the steering column’s intermediate shaft. That’s a separate system from the driveline and isn’t what most people mean when they’re shopping for “universal joints” for a car. If the steering U‑joint wears, owners might feel notchy or stiff steering, a clunk when turning, or free play on centre. On these models, the fix is usually replacing the intermediate shaft assembly rather than servicing the joint itself.

Note for completeness: certain Japan‑domestic Vitz variants were offered with 4WD. Those use a propeller shaft and can have U‑joints in the driveline. That configuration wasn’t sold new in Australia or New Zealand, so if the car is an ANZ‑delivered 2016 Yaris, it’s FWD and won’t have driveline U‑joints.

• What to service instead: inspect CV boots for splits or grease fling, listen for clicking on full lock (outer CV), and check the steering intermediate shaft for play or binding.
• If unsure, run the VIN through a Toyota EPC or ask a technician to confirm the drivetrain layout.

Technical references: Toyota Australia 2016 Yaris brochure (FWD specification), Toyota Repair Manual (NSP/NCP13#) – Drivetrain/Axle “Front Drive Shaft” (CV joints), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (NSP130/NCP131) – Steering “Shaft sub‑assy, intermediate” (steering U‑joint).

FAQs

Does a 2016 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have universal joints?

Not in the driveline on Australian and New Zealand cars. They’re front‑wheel drive with CV joints on the front axles. There is a small universal joint on the steering intermediate shaft, which is unrelated to the driveline U‑joints found on rear‑ or all‑wheel drive vehicles.

What are the signs the steering universal joint is worn on a 2016 Yaris?

Common clues include notchy or stiff steering, a clunk when turning the wheel, or a bit of free play around centre. If those show up, a tech will usually check the intermediate shaft for rust binding, play at the joint, and column/rack mounting before recommending replacement of the shaft assembly.

Do any 2016 Vitz/Yaris models use driveline U‑joints?

Some Japan‑market 4WD Vitz models do, because they run a propeller shaft to the rear. That setup wasn’t sold new in AU/NZ. If the car’s an import and you’re unsure, confirm the drivetrain by VIN or a quick under‑car inspection.