Parts for your 2018 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Driveshafts

2018 Toyota Vitz/Yaris driveshafts

Driveshafts are absolutely relevant on the 2018 Toyota Vitz/Yaris. Technical references such as the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue and the Toyota Repair Manual for the XP130 series list “Front Drive Shaft Assembly LH/RH” with inner and outer CV joints. Independent manuals covering 2011–2019 Yaris models also outline removal/refit procedures for these front CV axle shafts. Front-wheel-drive cars like the 2018 Vitz/Yaris rely on a pair of driveshafts to transfer torque from the transaxle to the front wheels, some Japan-market AWD variants add a propeller shaft and rear driveshafts as well.

On this model, each front driveshaft uses constant velocity (CV) joints so the wheels can steer and move up and down while still driving the car smoothly. The outer CV joint copes with steering angle, the inner joint handles in–out movement as the suspension travels. Rubber boots keep special moly grease in and grit out, which is vital for quiet, low-vibration motoring.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to give the driveshafts a quick once-over. At each service interval, check the CV boots for cracks, splits, or grease fling around the inside of the wheel or undertray. Any torn boot will quickly lead to a noisy, worn joint, so replacing the boot early can save a full shaft replacement. While you’re there, look for play in the joints and check for vibration on test drives, especially under load.

Typical signs it’s time for repair or replacement include clicking or clacking on tight turns, a shudder on acceleration, or visible grease around the hub. Quality replacement shafts or joints, fresh boot kits, and new axle nuts (often single-use) are recommended. The axle nut requires the correct torque and staking per Toyota specs to protect the hub bearing. If the shaft has been out, inspect the transaxle oil seal for leaks, and be mindful of ABS tone rings or encoder rings on some variants to avoid sensor faults after refit.

• Inspect CV boots every service or at least every 10,000–15,000 km.
• Avoid driving long with a clicking CV — it can escalate to failure.
• After replacement, road-test for vibrations and recheck for leaks.

FAQs

Does a 2018 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have driveshafts?
Yes. All front-wheel-drive versions use two front driveshafts (CV axle shafts). Japan-market AWD models also add a propeller shaft to the rear and rear driveshafts.

How long do the CV joints and boots typically last?
With intact boots, many last well beyond 150,000 km. The real killer is a split boot, once grease escapes and water enters, wear accelerates. Inspect boots every service and replace any that are cracked or leaking.

What happens if a worn driveshaft is ignored?
Noise and vibration get worse, and in severe cases a joint can fail, risking damage to nearby components like wheel bearings or transaxle seals. It can also trigger ABS faults if the tone ring or sensor is affected.