Parts for your 2021 Toyota Camry-Universal joints

2021 Toyota Camry universal joints: what’s actually on the car?

Based on Toyota technical literature for the XV70/AXVH70 series (Toyota Repair Manual and New Car Features) and Toyota Australia’s 2021 model specifications, a 2021 Toyota Camry in Australia and New Zealand is front‑wheel drive and uses constant velocity (CV) joints on its front drive shafts. There’s no propeller shaft on these models, so traditional driveline universal joints (also called U‑joints or Cardan joints) aren’t fitted to the drivetrain. The Front Drive Shaft section of the Toyota Repair Manual describes an outboard Rzeppa CV joint and an inboard tripod joint, confirming CVs rather than universal joints handle torque transfer while steering.

That’s why “2021 Toyota Camry universaljoints” isn’t a relevant drivetrain service item for local cars. Universal joints are common on rear‑wheel drive utes and 4WDs with a long tailshaft, the Camry’s transverse engine and transaxle layout doesn’t need them. Instead, it relies on CV joints that keep the wheel speed constant through large steering and suspension angles, which improves smoothness and reduces vibration.

• FWD layout: no tailshaft, so no driveline U‑joints
• CV joints maintain constant velocity at angle, U‑joints don’t unless doubled
• Better NVH and packaging for a midsize FWD sedan

Worth noting: there is a small steering intermediate shaft universal joint between the column and the rack on most trims (as shown in Toyota’s steering system diagrams). That’s part of the steering linkage, not the drivetrain. It’s typically sealed, not a routine maintenance item, and only needs attention if there’s corrosion, binding, or noticeable play in the steering.

For servicing a 2021 Camry, the practical checks around this topic are CV‑related. Inspect CV boots for splits or grease sling, listen for clicking on full lock (outer joint wear), and feel for shudder under load (often an inner joint). If a boot is torn, getting it sorted quickly can save the joint. If a joint’s noisy, replacing the complete shaft assembly is usually the most cost‑effective fix. Keeping tyres correctly inflated and aligned also helps minimise CV stress over the kilometres.

FAQs

Does the 2021 Toyota Camry have universal joints?

No. AU/NZ‑spec 2021 Camry models are FWD and use CV joints on the front drive shafts, with no driveline U‑joints. That’s documented in Toyota’s Repair Manual and model specifications for the XV70/AXVH70 platform.

There is typically a small universal joint in the steering intermediate shaft, but it’s part of the steering column linkage, not the drivetrain, and isn’t a regular service item.

What should be serviced instead of universal joints on a Camry?

Focus on the CV boots and axles. Check for split boots, grease fling inside the wheel, and clicking on turns. If damaged, a timely boot replacement can prevent a full axle change.

Also keep an ear out for humming wheel bearings and ensure wheel alignment is on point. Good alignment and healthy suspension bushes help CV joints live longer.

How can a driver tell a failing CV joint from a U‑joint issue?

On a Camry, classic outer CV symptoms are a rhythmic click or knock on tight, low‑speed turns. Inner CV wear may feel like a shudder under acceleration.

Traditional U‑joint clunks or tailshaft vibrations don’t apply to the AU/NZ 2021 Camry drivetrain because it doesn’t have a tailshaft or driveline U‑joints.