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Creaking when turning wheel

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by newoldstaco, Feb 4, 2024.

  1. Feb 4, 2024 at 10:12 PM
    #1
    newoldstaco

    newoldstaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    My truck just started creaking a lot when I turn the wheel hard (like when parallel parking) and when I go over bumps with the wheel turned. I have new sway bar links and coil springs… do y’all think it could be bad ball joints?
     
  2. Feb 4, 2024 at 10:18 PM
    #2
    ToyotaRoamer86

    ToyotaRoamer86 Well-Known Member

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  3. Feb 5, 2024 at 12:35 AM
    #3
    ChargedSHOTaco

    ChargedSHOTaco Well-Known Member

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    Absolutely.
     
  4. Feb 5, 2024 at 1:54 AM
    #4
    AssQuake

    AssQuake Unknown Member

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    change out the lower blow jobs asap!
     
  5. Feb 5, 2024 at 5:35 AM
    #5
    newoldstaco

    newoldstaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It’s definitely the lower ball joint?
     
  6. Feb 5, 2024 at 7:56 AM
    #6
    ChargedSHOTaco

    ChargedSHOTaco Well-Known Member

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  7. Feb 5, 2024 at 9:17 AM
    #7
    newoldstaco

    newoldstaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    How can you tell between the upper and lower ball joints going bad?
     
  8. Feb 5, 2024 at 9:53 AM
    #8
    GunnerTheRunner

    GunnerTheRunner Member

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    YES, I have a 99 230k miles. would creak and bounce to the side a bit hitting bumps. did the lowers and world off difference. still need to do the tops. Its pricey even with a reasonable mechanic. but you don't want to be on the roadside with front wheels pointing in opposite directions!

    PS I'm told the lowers are most important but you should do the uppers as well.
     
    Moonrman likes this.
  9. Feb 5, 2024 at 12:41 PM
    #9
    AssQuake

    AssQuake Unknown Member

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    creaks and steering bind is a big tell that the ball joints are going bad. i neglected the sound the night i heard it and my lower popped out at 5mph. i had just gotten off the freeway.

    had to be towed on a flatbed
     
    ToyotaRoamer86 likes this.
  10. Feb 5, 2024 at 12:46 PM
    #10
    foresterfields40

    foresterfields40 Well-Known Member

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    My squeaking/creaking was from an upper balljoint. Have someone rock the vehicle side to side or bounce up and down while you listen for the source of the noise
     
  11. Feb 5, 2024 at 12:55 PM
    #11
    Red_03Taco

    Red_03Taco Well-Known Member

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    Just do both lowers and both uppers for peace of mind, and you'll be good for another 100k miles
     
  12. Feb 6, 2024 at 2:05 PM
    #12
    newoldstaco

    newoldstaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Well I found a lightly used upper and lower at a junk yard that I’ll throw on. I’m in the middle of a road trip so I’ll order a full set and put those on when I get home.
     
  13. Feb 20, 2024 at 2:11 PM
    #13
    ToyotaRoamer86

    ToyotaRoamer86 Well-Known Member

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    Uniball conversion!
     
    Area51Runner likes this.
  14. Feb 20, 2024 at 2:20 PM
    #14
    ChargedSHOTaco

    ChargedSHOTaco Well-Known Member

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    Yes! Love mine.
    B495AB04-B743-4BD1-AD73-B4AFE3F609D1.jpg
     
    TRD493 and Area51Runner like this.
  15. Mar 9, 2024 at 12:11 PM
    #15
    foresterfields40

    foresterfields40 Well-Known Member

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    $979…..wow!!
     

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