Checks, in order
- Tire balance and wearHave the tires balanced and checked for bulges, flat spots and separation. A vibration that changes with speed but not with throttle is usually tires.easy $ · under about $50
- U-joints and carrier bearingWith the truck in neutral and on stands, grab the driveshaft and twist and push it at each U-joint. Any play, rust-colored dust or a seized joint needs replacing.easy $ · under about $50
- Slip yoke and driveshaft balanceCheck that the slip yoke slides smoothly and is greased, and look for dents or missing balance weights on the shaft. A dented or imbalanced shaft shakes at speed.medium $ · under about $50
- Wheel bearings and ball jointsRock each wheel to check for looseness. Worn bearings can cause vibration along with a hum.easy $ · under about $50
- Lift and driveline angleIf the truck is lifted, check the rear pinion angle and the transfer case drop. Too much angle causes vibration that no balance job will fix.hard $$ · about $50 to $500
Applies to: 1995.5 to 2004 Tacoma with the 2RZ-FE 2.4L, 3RZ-FE 2.7L and 5VZ-FE 3.4L V6, 2WD, PreRunner and 4WD. Code-based checks assume OBD-II (1996 and newer); earlier trucks may use a different diagnostic setup.
Tools and parts for these checks
Links below are Amazon affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, toyotadata earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm fitment for your exact truck before you order.
| ITEM | USED FOR | BUY |
|---|---|---|
| Driveshaft U-joint | Replacing a worn U-joint | Shop on Amazon |
| Driveshaft center support bearing | Replacing a worn carrier bearing (two-piece shafts) | Shop on Amazon |
| Lever grease gun | Greasing U-joints and the slip yoke | Shop on Amazon |
| 1/2" drive click torque wrench | Tightening suspension and driveline bolts to spec | Shop on Amazon |
Other drivetrain problems on the 1st Gen Tacoma
More 1st Gen Tacoma problems
- Frame rust: flaking, holes or a soft frame (Frame & Body)
- Loose front end, steering wander or clunk from the lower ball joint (4WD/PreRunner) (Steering & Suspension)
- Clunk, knock or rattle going over bumps (Steering & Suspension)
- Steering feels loose or the truck wanders on the highway (Steering & Suspension)
- 4WD won't engage or front axle doesn't seem to drive (Front Axle)
- Engine overheating or temperature gauge climbing (Cooling)
All 16 1st Gen Tacoma symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →
General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.