Parts for your 2024 Toyota Camry-Universal joints

2024 Toyota Camry universal joints — what they do and when they matter

Based on Toyota’s technical literature — including the Camry New Car Features (AXVA70/AXVH70 series) for Dynamic Torque Control AWD, the Toyota Repair Manual (TIS) Drivetrain/Axle sections covering the Propeller Shaft Assembly, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC, group 37 propeller shaft) — universal joints are only relevant to 2024 Camry models equipped with AWD. Front‑wheel‑drive Camry variants don’t have a propeller shaft and therefore don’t use universal joints, they use constant‑velocity (CV) joints on the front drive shafts instead. On AWD Camry models, the propeller shaft linking the transaxle to the rear differential uses sealed, non‑serviceable joints and a centre support bearing, if a joint fails, Toyota specifies replacing the complete shaft assembly.

On an AWD 2024 Camry, the universal joints (U‑joints) allow the propeller shaft to transfer drive to the rear wheels while the suspension moves and the angles between components change. They keep things smooth when the car squats on acceleration, crests a driveway, or loads up mid‑corner. Because they’re sealed from the factory, there’s no routine greasing or scheduled replacement — they’re designed to run quietly in the background for years.

That said, they still benefit from sensible inspections during regular servicing. A technician will usually check for any free play at the joints, look for rust bleed around the bearing caps, and assess the centre support bearing rubber for cracking. They’ll also scan for missing balance weights and re‑torque the propeller shaft flange bolts if they’ve been disturbed. Typical early warnings of U‑joint trouble are a dull clunk on take‑off, a chirp or squeak at low speed that changes with vehicle speed, or a driveline vibration between about 60 and 100 km/h.

If any of those symptoms pop up, it’s worth getting it on a hoist sooner rather than later. On this Camry, the U‑joints are part of the prop shaft assembly and aren’t serviced separately. The correct fix is replacement of the complete propeller shaft, followed by a road test to confirm the vibration is gone. Sticking with genuine or high‑quality equivalent parts keeps balance and NVH in check, which is especially noticeable on long motorway stints. For drivers in Australia and New Zealand who hit unsealed roads or carry loads often, asking for an underbody check at each service is a smart move. If the Camry is FWD, none of this applies — there’s no prop shaft and no U‑joints to worry about.

• Watch for: clunk on take‑off, squeak at low speed, vibration 60–100 km/h
• Service note: sealed, non‑greasable, replace complete prop shaft if worn
• Good practice: underbody inspection at regular service intervals

Popular questions

Does a 2024 Toyota Camry have universal joints?
Only the AWD versions do. They use a propeller shaft with sealed universal joints to send drive to the rear differential. Front‑wheel‑drive Camry models don’t have a prop shaft, so there are no U‑joints fitted.

Are the Camry’s universal joints serviceable or greasable?
No. On the AWD Camry, the joints are sealed from the factory and not designed for greasing. If there’s wear or play, Toyota’s procedure is to replace the complete propeller shaft assembly.

How often should universal joints be checked on an AWD Camry?
There’s no set replacement interval, but it’s wise to have them inspected during routine servicing — especially if the car sees rough roads. Listen for clunks, squeaks or highway‑speed vibrations and get them checked promptly if noticed.