Parts for your 2020 Toyota Rav4-Universal joints

2020 Toyota RAV4 universal joints: what’s fitted and what to service

Technical references (Toyota RAV4 XA50 New Car Features, Toyota Repair Manual, and Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue) show that universal joints are only present on 2020 RAV4 petrol AWD models with a mechanical tailshaft/propeller shaft. Front‑wheel drive models don’t have a tailshaft, so no universal joints. The Hybrid AWD (AWD‑i) uses an electric rear drive unit with no mechanical shaft between the front and rear, so universal joints aren’t used there either. The Toyota Repair Manual notes the RAV4 propeller shaft universal joints as “non‑separable/non‑serviceable”, and EPC listings show complete propeller shaft assemblies for petrol AWD variants (commonly 37110‑0R2xx), with no separate universal joint part numbers.

Where universaljoints aren’t used (FWD and Hybrid AWD‑i), it’s because the driveline layout doesn’t require them. FWD models transmit torque only to the front wheels via CV shafts. Hybrid AWD‑i puts an electric motor at the rear axle, removing the need for a mechanical link (tailshaft) from front to rear, so there’s simply no place for universaljoints in those variants.

For petrol AWD 2020 RAV4s that do have universaljoints, the part plays a quiet but critical role. The tailshaft links the transfer unit to the rear differential, and the universaljoints let that shaft run smoothly at changing angles as the suspension moves and the body flexes. They keep the drive line-up happy under acceleration, over corrugations, and through everyday commuting.

Servicing is mostly about inspection because the factory universaljoints are sealed and not greaseable. A good workshop will road test for driveline shudder on take‑off, feel for a clunk on shift from reverse to drive, and listen for a cyclical squeak that rises with speed. Underneath, they’ll check for red dust around the bearing caps, sling marks from dried grease, looseness at the yokes, and the condition of the centre bearing and tailshaft balance weights. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—towing, beach runs, and outback tracks—these checks are worth doing every 20,000 kilometres or 12 months, and sooner if vibrations crop up.

If wear is found, Toyota specifies replacing the complete propeller shaft assembly because the universaljoints are staked in from factory. Aftermarket options may offer rebuildable joints, but they must be balanced properly to avoid new vibrations. During replacement, match-mark the flanges, torque to spec, and recheck angles if suspension heights have been altered. Leaving a failing universaljoint to “see how it goes” risks damaging the centre bearing, flanges, or even the rear diff. It’s a straightforward fix when caught early and a big saver on tyres and comfort when sorted promptly.

• Common signs it’s time: shudder on launch, clunk when selecting gears, rhythmic squeak or hum with road speed, visible play at the yoke.
• Good habits: regular underbody rinses after beach work, periodic driveline checks, and quicker inspections if towing or lifted.

Popular questions

Does a 2020 RAV4 Hybrid have universaljoints?

No. The Hybrid AWD (AWD‑i) uses an electric motor to drive the rear wheels, so there’s no mechanical tailshaft and no universaljoints fitted. Only petrol AWD models with a conventional tailshaft use universaljoints.

If the Hybrid is showing vibration, the cause is usually elsewhere—think wheel balance, tyres, engine mounts, or front CV shafts.

How often should universaljoints be checked on a 2020 RAV4 AWD?

As part of routine servicing, a quick driveline check every 10,000–15,000 km is smart, with a more thorough look at around 20,000 km or annually. If you tow, hit corrugations, or do beach work, inspect more often.

Listen for squeaks, feel for shudder on take‑off, and have the tailshaft and centre bearing inspected on a hoist.

Can just the universaljoint be replaced, or does the whole tailshaft need doing?

From factory, the 2020 RAV4 AWD tailshaft uses non‑serviceable (staked) universaljoints, so Toyota’s repair method is to replace the complete propeller shaft assembly.

Some aftermarket shafts or rebuilds allow serviceable joints, but they must be pressed, phased, and balanced correctly to avoid new vibrations.