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2019 Tacoma TRD Off-Road - Annoying rear leaf spring squeak over bumps

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Chris P. · rep 0 · May 25, 1:30 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

Hey Tacoma owners,

I've got a 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road with about 45,000 miles on it, and I'm experiencing a really annoying squeak from the rear suspension. It happens almost constantly when I go over any sort of bump or uneven pavement, even at low speeds. It sounds like a metal-on-metal or rubber-on-metal squeak, and it's driving me crazy!

I've tried spraying some silicone lubricant on the leaf springs and bushings, but it only provides temporary relief, if any. I haven't done any heavy off-roading, just light trails occasionally. Is this a common issue with the Tacoma's leaf springs, especially the TRD Off-Road models?

What are the usual culprits for this type of squeak, and what's the best long-term fix? I'm hoping it's not something that requires a full replacement, but I'm open to suggestions. Any tips or tricks from fellow owners would be appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 1:30 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The rear leaf spring squeak you're describing on your 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road is a very common complaint among Tacoma owners, especially with the factory leaf spring setup. It's often more pronounced on TRD Off-Road models due to their specific suspension tuning.

Common Causes of Leaf Spring Squeaks:

  1. Inter-leaf Friction: The most frequent cause is friction between the individual leaves of the spring pack. Over time, dirt, dust, and rust can accumulate between the leaves, wearing away the factory anti-friction pads or coatings, leading to metal-on-metal rubbing.
  2. Worn Bushings: The rubber bushings at the ends of the leaf springs (where they connect to the frame) can wear out, dry rot, or become contaminated, causing squeaking as the suspension articulates.
  3. Shackle/Hanger Issues: Less commonly, the shackles or hangers that connect the leaf springs to the frame can develop play or rust, leading to noise.
  4. U-Bolt Torque: Incorrectly torqued U-bolts that hold the leaf springs to the axle can sometimes contribute to noise, though this is less common for a squeak.

What to do for a long-term fix:

  1. Clean and Lubricate: A more thorough cleaning than just spraying can help. Jack up the rear of the truck to unload the suspension, allowing the leaf springs to separate slightly. Clean out any debris between the leaves with a wire brush, then apply a high-quality dry film lubricant (like graphite or PTFE spray) or a specific leaf spring grease. Some owners even insert thin plastic shims between the leaves.
  2. Inspect Bushings: Visually inspect the rubber bushings at the front and rear of the leaf springs. Look for cracks, excessive wear, or signs of the rubber separating from the metal sleeve. Replacing worn bushings with new OEM or aftermarket polyurethane bushings can significantly help.
  3. Check for TSBs: While less common for squeaks, occasionally TSBs are issued for specific suspension components. It's worth a quick check with your dealer.

When to see a shop:

If the squeak persists after cleaning and lubricating, or if you identify visibly worn bushings, it's best to take your Tacoma to a trusted mechanic or a Toyota dealership. They can properly diagnose the source of the noise, replace worn components, or recommend an upgrade if you're considering aftermarket leaf springs (which often come with better anti-friction pads or liners) for a permanent solution. This issue doesn't typically involve OBD codes, as it's a mechanical noise.

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