Parts for your 2016 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Universal joints

2016 Toyota Vitz/Yaris universal joints — what’s actually fitted?

Based on factory documentation and parts catalogues, a 2016 Toyota Vitz/Yaris sold in Australia and New Zealand doesn’t use universal joints (U‑joints) in its driveline. Technical sources including the Toyota New Car Features (NCF) for the XP130 series, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for NSP/NCP130 front‑wheel‑drive grades, and mainstream workshop references such as the Haynes Yaris 2011–2019 manual all show a front‑wheel‑drive transaxle with left and right driveshafts that use constant velocity (CV) joints at both ends, and no propeller shaft or rear differential on local FWD models.

Why no U‑joints? On a FWD hatch that steers and powers through the front wheels, CV joints are essential because they maintain constant rotational speed even at large steering angles and during suspension travel. A traditional cross‑type U‑joint introduces speed fluctuation as the joint runs at an angle, which would cause vibration, torque pulsation and poor steering feel. Engineering texts and SAE guidance on front‑drive axle design point to the Rzeppa‑type CV joint as the correct solution for this job, which is exactly what Toyota specifies for the XP130 Vitz/Yaris.

There are a couple of places where some people think “universal joint” and the Yaris might overlap:

• Steering column: an intermediate shaft with a small U‑joint is used to link the steering wheel to the rack. That’s not part of the driveline.
• Certain Japan‑market 4WD Vitz variants (e.g., NCP135) use a propeller shaft with U‑joints. Those are uncommon in AU/NZ unless the vehicle is a grey import.

For AU/NZ‑delivered 2016 Vitz/Yaris models, the correct maintenance focus is on the CV joints and boots. Split or weeping boots let grease out and water in, which quickly ruins a CV. Clicking on turns under throttle usually points to an outer CV joint, while shudder on take‑off can be an inner joint or engine mount. Service workshops typically inspect boots at each service interval, replace damaged clamps/boots, and swap the joint or complete shaft if there’s play, noise or contaminated grease. If the car is a JDM 4WD import, then yes, the prop shaft U‑joints and centre bearing should be checked for play, rust dust and binding, and the shaft replaced or rebuilt if roughness is felt.

Bottom line: for local 2016 Toyota Vitz/Yaris FWD cars, “universal joints” aren’t part of the driveline spec. They run CV joints up front, which is exactly what the platform was engineered for according to Toyota’s NCF and EPC data.

Popular questions about 2016 Toyota Vitz/Yaris universal joints

Does a 2016 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have universal joints?

AU/NZ‑delivered FWD models don’t use driveline U‑joints, they run CV joints on both front shafts. A steering column U‑joint is present, and some JDM 4WD Vitz imports have prop shaft U‑joints.

Is a clicking noise on turns a bad universal joint on a Yaris?

On a FWD 2016 Vitz/Yaris, clicking on tight turns under throttle almost always points to an outer CV joint, not a U‑joint. Check the CV boots for splits and grease loss, and replace the joint or shaft as needed.

How are universal joints serviced on a JDM 4WD Vitz?

Inspect for free play, red dust, stiffness and vibration under load. Most propshaft U‑joints are sealed, if they’re notchy or loose, replacement of the joint or complete shaft assembly is the standard fix, along with checking the centre bearing and shaft balance.