Checks, in order
- Tire balance and tread conditionHave the wheels road-force balanced. Look for flat spots, cupping and bulges on all four tires.easy $ · under about $50
- Wheel runout and lug nutsCheck lug nuts for tightness at the proper torque and look for bent rims. A bent wheel can be seen when spun on a balancer.easy $ · under about $50
- Steering wheel vs seat vibrationShake in the steering wheel usually points to front tires or components, and shake felt in the seat or floor points to the rear.easy $ · under about $50
- Driveshaft and U-jointsWith the truck in neutral on stands, check for play in the U-joints and look for a missing balance weight. Lifted trucks can have angle-related vibration.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
- Front end wearCheck ball joints, tie rod ends and wheel bearings for play. Worn parts can add a shake on top of a tire issue.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
Applies to: 2016 to 2023 Tacoma with the 2TR-FE 2.7L four and the 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6, with the 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. Engine-specific checks are labeled; everything else applies to both.
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 |
Go deeper
The same problem on other Toyotas
Other steering & suspension problems on the 3rd Gen Tacoma
More 3rd Gen Tacoma problems
- Automatic keeps hunting between gears or downshifts early on hills (Transmission)
- Harsh, delayed or shuddering shifts, flare between gears (Transmission)
- Engine temperature climbing or overheating warning (Cooling)
- Turn the key or press the button: click or nothing, engine won't crank (Starting & Charging)
- Engine cranks but won't start or dies right after starting (Fuel & Ignition)
- Rough idle, shaking at a stop or misfire (P0300 to P0306) (Fuel & Ignition)
All 16 3rd 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.