Safety: Steering and suspension faults can lead to loss of control. If the wheel shakes violently or you see play at a wheel, stop driving until it is inspected.
Checks, in order
- Tire pressure and tire wearUneven pressure and worn tires make the truck wander. Check all four before anything else.easy $ · under about $50
- Tie rod ends and steering playWith a helper turning the wheel slightly with the engine off, watch the tie rod ends and inner joints for movement.easy $ · under about $50
- Ball joints and control arm bushingsJack up the front, grab the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and rock it. Movement or a clunk points to the lower ball joint or wheel bearing. Look at the bushings for cracks.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
- Alignment after lift or levelingAny lift or leveling kit changes alignment angles. Get a full alignment and check that the caster and toe are in spec.medium $$ · about $50 to $500
- Shocks and sway bar linksLook for leaking shocks and loose or worn sway bar end links, which are a very common source of a clunk over bumps.easy $ · under about $50
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pry bar set | Checking ball joints, bushings and tie rod ends for play | Shop on Amazon |
| Sway bar end links | A common clunk source and a cheap fix | Shop on Amazon |
| Outer tie rod ends | Replacing worn tie rod ends | 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 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.