Tacoma’s front wheel well squeaking when going over dirt/gravel/small bumps.

Hello,

I’ve got a TRD Off Road 4X4 Tacoma that has a bad squeak when going over semi-rough terrain. 70K miles. Dirt road to work, gravel, and small bumps on the road trigger this scratchy/squeaky noice when driving.

Front wheel wells are very dusty and dirty, could that be all it is? I am suspecting a lower ball joint replacement is needed, but I have seen that is more when you are hearing a clunk.

Worth noting:
My passenger side cv axle inner boot is torn and I am replacing both axles tomorrow. Sure would be nice if I could kill 2 birds with 1 stone but I doubt that is the source of the noise as well.

 

I’d bank on worn front radiator support bushings or a bad strut

 

Any easy way to check if support bushings/struts are bad?

 

Try to look up through the fender liners and see if the rubber is falling apart

 

I’m not a mechanic but why are you replacing both cv axles when you have 1 torn boot?

further will OEM axles be for sale?

 

I just assume getting them both swapped out is the best idea. Have the same milage on each side and not have to dive under the truck again when the other side goes out.

 

is the truck lifted? Any type of lifted Toyota with IFS is going to be susceptible to torn CV boots. If this is the case unless your new pair has something going for it to prevent this it will keep happening.. lots of user here do a “slide boot mod” with OEM axles and don’t tear boots.

again not a professional but a torn boot doesn’t really mean the axle is junk, likely can be rebooted and put right back on, and still a better axle than most aftermarket replacements.. plus your CV axle isn’t something you necessarily need to swap in pairs.

Post some photos of the areas of concern!

 

I believe seller said it had a level kit installed. Unsure of the size but the cv axle angle isn’t too extreme I don’t think.

 

Might want to wash your under your truck could just be dust and dirt in a bushing