Parts for your 2016 Toyota Wish-Universal joints

2016 Toyota Wish universal joints

For most 2016 Toyota Wish models (ZGE2# series), universal joints aren’t a relevant driveline service item. The vehicle is front‑wheel drive by design, and Toyota’s own service literature specifies constant‑velocity (CV) joints on the front drive shafts rather than prop‑shaft universal joints. Only the uncommon 4WD variant uses a propeller shaft with U‑joints. If the car is a typical 2WD Wish as seen in Australia and New Zealand (often a JDM import), there’s no rear prop shaft and therefore no driveline U‑joints to replace or maintain.

This is backed by Toyota’s technical documentation: the ZGE2# Repair Manual (Drivetrain/Axle – Front Drive Shaft) describes outer Rzeppa‑type and inner tripod‑type CV joints on the front axles, the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) for ZGE2# lists no propeller shaft assembly for 2WD grades, while 4WD grades add a propeller shaft under the “Propeller Shaft & Universal Joint” section. The New Car Features (NCF) guide for the series also outlines a front‑engine, front‑drive layout with Super CVT‑i that relies on CV joints for smooth power delivery at steering angles.

Why no universal joints on the common 2WD Wish? FWD packaging doesn’t need a long tail shaft. CV joints provide constant rotational speed through bigger angles than U‑joints, which suits front axles that steer and move with suspension travel. That’s why the service items you’ll hear about on a 2WD Wish are CV boots and CV joints, not driveline U‑joints. Note there is a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft on most cars, that’s separate from the driveline and usually not what people mean when they ask about “universal joints”.

Own a 4WD Wish? That version runs a propeller shaft to the rear differential with two U‑joints. If you’ve got vibrations on take‑off or a rhythmic shudder at road speed, have the prop shaft inspected for play and balance. Many Toyota prop shafts use sealed, non‑greasable U‑joints, replacement typically means pressing in new joints or fitting a reconditioned shaft through a driveline specialist. Confirm your build spec from the VIN/Model code before ordering parts.

• Technical references: Toyota ZGE2# Repair Manual (Drivetrain/Axle – Front Drive Shaft), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (ZGE2#, 2WD vs 4WD listings), Toyota New Car Features (ZGE2# Drivetrain overview).

FAQs

Does a 2016 Toyota Wish have universal joints?
Most 2WD models don’t have driveline U‑joints because there’s no rear propeller shaft. They use CV joints on the front axles. Only the less common 4WD variant has a prop shaft with U‑joints. Check the model code or look under the car for a prop shaft to the rear diff.

How can someone tell if their Wish is the 4WD version?
Look underneath: a 4WD Wish will have a propeller shaft running down the centre to a rear differential. The build plate/model code and the Toyota EPC for your VIN will also identify 4WD. If it’s 2WD, there won’t be a prop shaft, and there won’t be driveline U‑joints to service.

What symptoms point to CV joint issues versus a bad U‑joint?
On 2WD Wishes, clicking on turns and split boots with grease flung out usually indicate outer CV joint problems. On 4WD cars, a worn U‑joint tends to cause vibration or a clunk on take‑off even when driving straight. The location of the noise and when it occurs helps a tech tell them apart.