Safety: A broken leaf spring near the fuel tank is a fire risk. If you see a cracked or shifted leaf, or the truck sits visibly lower on one side, do not keep driving it.
Checks, in order
- Check recall status by VINRun your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup or ask a Toyota dealer. The recall covered certain 2005 to 2011 PreRunner and 4x4 trucks built in a specific window, so confirm yours is or isn't included.easy $ · under about $50
- Compare rear ride heightMeasure from the center of the wheel to the fender lip on both sides on level ground. One side sitting lower points to a weak or broken spring.easy $ · under about $50
- Inspect each leafLook at every leaf for cracks, shifted leaves and shiny rust lines where leaves rub. Check the main leaf near the eye and at the center bolt.easy $ · under about $50
- Silencer pads and bushingsSqueaks over bumps are often worn or missing pads between the leaves, or dry spring eye bushings. Replace worn pads and bushings before swapping the whole spring.medium $ · under about $50
- Replace springs as a pairIf the pack is sagging or cracked, replace both springs with OEM or a quality aftermarket part. Mismatched springs tilt the truck and wear the shackles.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
Applies to: 2005 to 2015 Tacoma with the 2TR-FE 2.7L four-cylinder and 1GR-FE 4.0L V6, 2WD, PreRunner and 4WD. Both engines use timing chains and a serpentine-belt-driven water pump.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear leaf spring pack | Replacing a sagging or cracked spring | Shop on Amazon |
| Leaf spring bushing and shackle kit | Curing squeaks and worn shackles | Shop on Amazon |
| 1/2" drive click torque wrench | Tightening suspension and driveline bolts to spec | Shop on Amazon |
Go deeper
Other steering & suspension problems on the 2nd Gen Tacoma
- Clunk, knock or rattle going over bumps
- Steering feels stiff, rattles or wanders
- Shaking, shimmy or violent wobble at highway speed
More 2nd Gen Tacoma problems
- Frame rust: flaking, holes or a soft frame (Frame & Body)
- Humming or rumbling from the front that changes with speed (Front Axle)
- 4WD won't engage, 4WD light flashing, or grinding in four-wheel drive (Front Axle)
- Vibration or jolt from the driveline under acceleration or when stopping (Drivetrain)
- Whine, howl or leak from the rear or front differential (Drivetrain)
- Engine overheating or temperature gauge climbing (Cooling)
All 16 2nd 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.