Parts for your 2020 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Universal joints

2020 Toyota Vitz/Yaris — are universal joints used?

Based on Toyota’s service information for the 2020 Yaris/Vitz (model codes MXPA1#/MXPH1#) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, plus standard driveline references such as the Bosch Automotive Handbook, traditional propeller‑shaft universal joints are not fitted to this vehicle. The 2020 Vitz/Yaris is a front‑wheel‑drive hatch using a transaxle with two front drive shafts, each employing constant‑velocity (CV) joints rather than cross‑type U‑joints.

Universal joints are typically used on longitudinal propeller shafts in rear‑wheel‑drive and many 4WD layouts to transmit torque at changing angles. Because the 2020 Vitz/Yaris has no propeller shaft, there’s nothing for a conventional U‑joint to couple. Instead, the front axles use Rzeppa‑type outer CV joints and tripod‑type inner CV joints to maintain smooth, constant velocity through steering and suspension movement—ideal for a compact FWD package.

The steering system does include an intermediate shaft with small pin‑type universal joints, however, Toyota services this as a complete intermediate shaft assembly. That component is unrelated to the driveline “universal joints” often listed for RWD vehicles and is not treated as a separate serviceable U‑joint part.

When owners report clunks, vibrations, or clicking on a 2020 Vitz/Yaris, the usual suspects aren’t U‑joints. Typical checks during servicing include:

• Front CV boots and joints (grease spray or clicking on full lock points to CV wear).
• Front wheel bearings (roaring or humming noise increasing with road speed).
• Engine and transmission mounts (thumps on take‑off or shift shock).
• Tyre/wheel balance and condition (steady‑speed vibration).

Good workshop practice on this model focuses on routine inspection of CV boots, prompt boot replacement if torn, and correct moly CV grease when repacking. Once a CV joint clicks or shows significant play, replacing the complete drive shaft assembly is typically the most cost‑effective fix. None of these procedures involve universal joints, simply because they aren’t part of the 2020 Vitz/Yaris driveline design.

Technical sources referenced:

• Toyota Service Information (TIS) — 2020 Yaris/Vitz (MXPA1#/MXPH1#) Repair Manual: Drivetrain/Axle — Front Drive Shaft, Steering Column.
• Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) — 2020 Yaris/Vitz: no propeller shaft or serviceable driveline universal joint listings.
• Bosch Automotive Handbook — Front‑wheel‑drive layouts utilising constant‑velocity joints.

Popular questions

Does the 2020 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have universal joints?

No driveline U‑joints are fitted. The car is FWD and uses CV joints on its front drive shafts. While the steering intermediate shaft uses small universal joints, Toyota services that as a complete shaft assembly rather than individual U‑joints.

What part does the job of a universal joint on this model?

The front drive shafts use CV joints—Rzeppa (outer) and tripod (inner)—to transmit power smoothly while the wheels steer and move with suspension travel. These CV joints replace the role that prop‑shaft U‑joints have in RWD vehicles.

Are any 2020 Yaris/Vitz variants fitted with driveline U‑joints?

The 2020 hatchback line is FWD only and does not use a propeller shaft. Some earlier‑generation compact Toyotas with AWD used prop shafts and U‑joints, but that setup isn’t present on the 2020 Vitz/Yaris. The Yaris Cross Hybrid with E‑Four uses an electric rear axle rather than a mechanical prop shaft, so no driveline U‑joints there either.