Parts for your 2020 Toyota Camry-Universal joints

2020 Toyota Camry universal-joints — are they used?

For Australian and New Zealand–spec 2020 Toyota Camry models, universal-joints aren’t a driveline service item because the vehicles are front‑wheel drive and don’t have a propeller shaft. Technical documentation backs this up: the Toyota Service Information (TIS) Repair Manual for the 2020 Camry (AXVH70/ASV70/GSV70) details front drive shafts with inboard and outboard constant‑velocity (CV) joints in the Drivetrain/Axle – Front Drive Shaft section, and the Toyota AU/NZ Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) lists no propeller shaft or rear differential assemblies for these models. In short, there’s no place for traditional prop‑shaft universal-joints on the AU/NZ 2020 Camry.

Why’s that the case? CV joints are used on front‑wheel‑drive cars because they transmit power smoothly at varying angles while the front wheels steer and the suspension moves. A basic cross‑type universal joint can introduce speed fluctuations at higher operating angles, which would cause vibration and wear if used on front half‑shafts. CV joints avoid that, keeping things smooth and quiet.

There is one small caveat: the steering intermediate shaft typically uses small universal joints to link the steering column to the rack. These aren’t the “driveline” universal-joints most people are shopping for and are rarely replaced unless there’s play, binding, or corrosion.

If you’re maintaining a 2020 Camry in Australia or New Zealand, focus on the parts that actually wear on the driveline:

• Inspect CV boots for splits or grease fling, replace the boot early to save the joint.
• Listen for clicking on full lock (outer CV) or shudder under load (inner CV).
• Check the steering intermediate shaft for free movement and any notchiness.
• Rule out engine/trans mounts and wheel bearings if there are clunks or vibration.

Note for completeness: North American 2020 Camry AWD variants (not sold new in AU/NZ) add a propeller shaft to the rear, and those assemblies include universal joints as shown in Toyota USA TIS and EPC. That’s why some global references mention Camry universal-joints—just not for AU/NZ front‑drive cars.

Does a 2020 Toyota Camry have universal-joints?

AU/NZ models are front‑wheel drive with CV joints, so there are no prop‑shaft universal-joints to service. They do have small U‑joints in the steering intermediate shaft, but these aren’t a common maintenance item.

What should be checked instead of universal-joints on a 2020 Camry?

Check the front CV boots and joints, wheel bearings, and engine/transmission mounts. If there’s play or stiffness in steering feel, inspect the steering intermediate shaft U‑joints for binding.

Why do front‑drive Camrys use CV joints instead of universal-joints?

CV joints maintain constant rotational speed across angles, which keeps the drive smooth while steering and over bumps. Traditional U‑joints can cause speed fluctuation at angle, leading to vibration—no good for front half‑shafts.