Parts for your 2018 Toyota Wish-Universal joints

2018 Toyota Wish universal joints — are they actually used?

Short answer: for most 2018 Toyota Wish models (the ZGE2# front‑wheel‑drive variants), a universal joint isn’t part of the driveline. Technical references like Toyota’s New Car Features for the ZGE2# series and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue list the front drive shafts as using constant‑velocity (CV) joints only. There’s no rear prop shaft on 2WD models, so there’s nowhere for a driveline universal joint (cardan joint) to live. A universal joint does exist on the steering intermediate shaft, but that’s separate from the engine‑to‑wheel driveline.

Why no driveline universal joints on the typical 2WD Wish? CV joints keep the output speed truly constant through big steering and suspension angles — exactly what a front‑wheel‑drive MPV needs for smoothness and tight turning. A basic universal joint causes speed fluctuation at angles (the classic cardan “heartbeat”), which isn’t ideal for front drive axles that also steer. That’s why Toyota specifies CV joints up front on the 2WD Wish, confirmed in the service/repair literature for ZGE20/22 where axle assemblies are shown with inner/outer CV joints and protective boots.

There is an exception: the 4WD Wish (ZGE25W) uses a rear propeller shaft, and Toyota’s prop shaft design commonly employs universal joints plus a centre bearing. If someone’s driving a 4WD Wish, universal joints are relevant to them. Typical care includes checking for play, rust‑coloured dust at the caps, split seals, vibration on acceleration, and clunks on take‑off, any of those point to a worn U‑joint or centre bearing that needs attention.

• 2WD (ZGE20/22): driveline uses CV joints only, no driveline U‑joint fitted.
• 4WD (ZGE25): prop shaft uses universal joints, inspect if there’s vibration or clunk.
• Steering: all models use a small U‑joint on the column, separate from the driveline.

If the vehicle’s a 2WD Wish and someone’s chasing “universal joint” issues, odds are the real targets are the CV boots/joints or the steering column joint, not a driveline U‑joint. Toyota’s Repair Manual sections back this split: front axle content covers CV joints/boots, while the propeller shaft and cardan joint procedures appear only under 4WD‑specific chapters.

FAQs

Does a 2018 Toyota Wish have universal joints?
Most 2WD models don’t have driveline U‑joints, they use CV joints on the front shafts. All models have a small U‑joint on the steering column. Only the 4WD (ZGE25) gets driveline U‑joints on the rear prop shaft.

How can someone tell if their Wish is 2WD or 4WD?
Look underneath for a prop shaft running to a rear diff — if it’s there, it’s 4WD. The model code helps too: ZGE25 typically indicates 4WD. No prop shaft and a simple rear torsion beam? That’s a 2WD.

What should be maintained instead of U‑joints on a 2WD Wish?
Keep an eye on CV boots for splits and grease fling, listen for clicking on full lock (outer CV wear), and check the steering column U‑joint for stiffness or clunks. Fixing a torn boot early saves the CV joint.