Parts for your 2018 Toyota Crown-Universal joints

2018 Toyota Crown universal joints: what they do and how to look after them

Based on Toyota technical literature, universal joints are used on the 2018 Toyota Crown. The Toyota Repair Manual for the S210/S220 Crown platforms lists a two‑piece propeller shaft with spider (universal) joints and a centre support bearing, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for GRS/AWS/ARS Crown variants shows a “Shaft Assy, Propeller w/Center Bearing” with staked universal joints. The steering column’s intermediate shaft also incorporates a small universal joint. So yes—universal joints are relevant and fitted to the 2018 Toyota Crown.

On the Crown, the prop shaft’s universal joints (U‑joints) let the rear‑wheel‑drive drivetrain deliver smooth torque from the transmission to the differential even as the angles change with body movement. They’re the flexible hinge in the driveline, keeping things quiet and composed on the motorway and under load. The steering intermediate shaft U‑joint does a similar job up front, allowing the column to connect to the rack at an angle without binding.

There’s no fixed replacement interval in Toyota’s schedule—U‑joints are replaced on condition. Many Crown prop shafts use staked, non‑greaseable U‑joints, meaning regular greasing isn’t part of routine servicing. Instead, a good workshop will check for tell‑tale signs:

• Clunk on take‑off or shifting from Drive to Reverse
• Vibration or shudder at certain speeds or under load
• Squeak at low speeds that changes with vehicle speed
• Rusty dust around the bearing caps, dried seals, or visible play

If wear is found, Toyota often specifies replacing the complete propeller shaft assembly rather than just the U‑joint (as noted in the Crown repair manual and EPC). A driveline specialist can sometimes rebuild the shaft with serviceable joints and re‑balance it, but that’s outside standard Toyota procedures.

During any removal, pros will mark the flanges to maintain phasing, follow factory torque specs for the flange bolts, and check the centre support bearing and differential mount bushes at the same time. Keeping tyres matched and balanced and ensuring the transmission and diff mounts are healthy helps prevent premature U‑joint wear.

For the steering U‑joint, symptoms are notchiness, stiffness, or a sticking spot in the wheel’s rotation. If present, the intermediate shaft is typically replaced as a unit.

Popular questions about 2018 Toyota Crown universal joints

Does the 2018 Toyota Crown have universal joints?
Yes. Toyota’s repair manual and EPC list universal joints on the propeller shaft and a small U‑joint in the steering intermediate shaft. They’re part of the RWD layout that sends power to the rear wheels.

Are the Crown’s prop shaft U‑joints serviceable?
On many 2018 Crown variants the prop shaft U‑joints are staked and non‑greaseable. Toyota typically specifies replacing the complete propeller shaft if a U‑joint fails. Some driveline shops can rebuild with serviceable joints and re‑balance, but that’s not the standard factory path.

What symptoms point to a failing U‑joint?
Common signs include a clunk when shifting between Drive and Reverse, a speed‑related vibration, a low‑speed squeak, or visible play at the joint. If any of these crop up, have the driveline inspected promptly to avoid collateral damage.