1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Help to decide Tie Rods & Ball Joint Replacement

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Leinhart, Jul 31, 2025 at 4:55 PM.

  1. Jul 31, 2025 at 4:55 PM
    #1
    Leinhart

    Leinhart [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2023
    Member:
    #438908
    Messages:
    25
    Gender:
    Male
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    Tacoma SR 2.7L I-4 2021
    Hello Guys, I'm looking for some advice here to know if I need to replace Tie rods & ball joint on my 3rd Gen Taco 2021 4L 2.7.

    I have listened some noise while driving on bumpy roads or some bumps on parking lots, I heard a noise from passenger side and I did a quick inspection and after looking some videos I think I need the Tie rods replaced, but also I guess the Ball joints are almost done and I think would be a good idea to replace them as well.
    here are some pictures.

    Also I have heard that is a good Idea to replace inner Rods too just to be safe, I have not inspected those ones yet, but wan to to heard your experiences and comments on what is the best approach and the best parts to use to replace Inner/Outer Tie rods and ball joints, I normally get parts from rock auto which for me in bulk they have a great price.

    If you have other recommendation with good prices I'm open to new options.

    Driver Side
    Tie rod:
    [​IMG]

    Ball Joints:
    [​IMG]

    Passenger Side:

    Tie rod:
    This one looks more squished and full of oil on the bolt, please correct me if I'm wrong.
    upload_2025-7-31_18-50-53.jpg

    Ball Joint:
    [​IMG]
     
  2. Aug 1, 2025 at 9:13 PM
    #2
    joba27n

    joba27n YotaWerx Authorized tuner

    Joined:
    May 27, 2021
    Member:
    #366948
    Messages:
    1,110
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nolan
    Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2021 Gray TRD Sport Tacoma MT
    YotaWerx Stage 1, Bumper light bar, Hood wrap, Roadmaster Active Suspension, Durobumps.
    Visually both look fine, what you'll have to do to figure out whats making the noise is to have someone steer the wheel back and forth or rock the vehicle, what ever you have to do to recreate the noise then get under there to feel where the noise is coming from. You'll feel the vibration.

    Lower ball joints and shocks are common noise points
     
  3. Aug 1, 2025 at 10:22 PM
    #3
    rtzx9r

    rtzx9r Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2016
    Member:
    #174071
    Messages:
    1,905
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bueller
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Sport
    LS1 swap with nitros.
    How many miles do you have in this vehicle?

    also, to check the ball joints jack up the front end of the truck nd put it on jack stands. Firmly grab the wheels and rock them up/down (12 and 6 o clock position) and look for play back and forth. Do the same left and right to check the tie rod ends. I’d also suggest seeing is there is any slop in the tie rod ends by looking closely while you wiggle the wheel.

    there are some other likely culprits on these tacos that make noise… sway bar links and bushings and the infamous body mounts.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top