2020 Toyota Tacoma Tire Rubbing and Uneven Wear: How to Fix

Problem Overview

This article addresses a range of tire-related issues reported by vehicle owners, focusing on problems beyond simple punctures or wear. The discussions analyzed reveal a pattern of concerns related to tire fitment, clearance, abnormal wear, and vibrations, often stemming from modifications, manufacturing tolerances, or component interactions. Unlike a single, specific fault, "tires problem" here encompasses a cluster of symptoms that can affect handling, safety, and comfort, requiring systematic diagnosis.

Common Indicators

Owners experiencing these tire problems report several key symptoms. The most frequently mentioned indicator is a rubbing or scraping sound, particularly when turning or going over bumps, suggesting a clearance issue between the tire and another part of the vehicle. Many also report unusual or premature tire wear, such as excessive wear on the inner or outer edges. A persistent vibration at highway speeds is another common complaint, often pointing to a balancing or alignment issue. Some owners note their vehicle "walks" or drifts on the highway, requiring constant steering correction. In cases of severe rubbing, owners may find visible scuff marks on the tire sidewall or on the inner fender liner, wheel well, or suspension components.

Why This Happens

Based on the analysis of owner reports and their confirmed fixes, these problems typically originate from a few key areas. The most prevalent cause identified is incorrect wheel or tire specifications. This includes installing wheels with the wrong offset, tires that are too wide, or a tire diameter that is too large for the vehicle's designed clearance. This is especially common after aftermarket modifications or non-factory wheel replacements.

Another significant cause is suspension or alignment issues. Worn suspension components (like control arm bushings or struts) can alter wheel geometry, leading to abnormal tire wear and handling problems. Improper alignment settings, particularly excessive negative camber, is a direct culprit for rapid inner-edge tire wear.

Less frequently, but notably, interference from non-tire components can be the source. Owners have reported issues where a malfunctioning or misaligned tonneau cover on a truck contacts the rear tires at certain positions. Similarly, issues with window mechanisms or seals are sometimes misdiagnosed as tire noise until further investigation isolates the sound.

Finally, manufacturing or assembly variances can play a role. Slight differences in body panel placement, fender liner installation, or suspension component tolerances from the factory can mean that a tire size that fits one vehicle perfectly causes rubbing on another of the same model.

Repair Options

Solutions should be attempted in order of diagnostic simplicity and cost, starting with verification and moving to modification or replacement.

1. Verify Specifications and Re-Balance

First Step, Low Cost (Often $0-$100) Before any physical changes, confirm the exact specifications of your current tires and wheels. Check the tire sidewall for size (e.g., 265/70R17), load rating, and speed rating. Locate the wheel offset (often stamped on the back of a wheel spoke). Compare these numbers to the factory specifications listed in your owner's manual or on the driver's door jamb sticker. If vibrations are the primary issue, have the tires dynamically balanced by a reputable shop. This is the cheapest and most logical first step.

2. Professional Alignment Check and Suspension Inspection

Moderate Cost, High Success Rate for Wear/Handling Issues ($100-$200) If tire wear is uneven or the vehicle pulls, a professional alignment is crucial. A qualified technician will measure camber, caster, and toe angles and adjust them to factory specifications. Crucially, request that they perform a thorough inspection of suspension and steering components (tie rods, ball joints, control arms, bushings) before aligning. Aligning a vehicle with worn parts is a waste of money. This fix directly addresses the majority of abnormal wear and drift complaints.

3. Adjust or Modify Interfering Components

Variable Cost and Complexity If rubbing is the confirmed issue, the solution depends on the point of contact.

• Fender Liner: Often, the plastic inner fender liner is the culprit. It can be trimmed, heated and reshaped, or re-secured with push pins. This is a low-cost DIY fix.
• Suspension or Body Contact: For minor rubbing on suspension components or the inner body seam, some owners have successfully used a wheel spacer (with appropriate longer lug nuts) to push the wheel out slightly and gain clearance. Warning: Spacers can affect bearing load and must be hub-centric and of high quality. They may also be illegal in some jurisdictions. An alternative is switching to a wheel with a different offset.
• Non-Tire Components: Investigate any nearby parts. One owner resolved a persistent noise by fixing a loose tonneau cover bracket that was contacting the tire. Ensure all adjacent trim and covers are securely fastened.

4. Change Wheel or Tire Size

Highest Cost, Definitive Solution for Fitment Issues ($500-$1500+) If verification shows your wheels/tires are incorrectly sized or offset, and adjustments/spacers don't suffice, changing them is the definitive solution. To resolve rubbing:

• Switch to a tire with a smaller section width (the first number in the size, e.g., 265 vs. 285).
• Choose a tire with a lower aspect ratio (the second number, e.g., 65 vs. 70) to reduce overall diameter.
• Replace wheels with a set that has the factory-recommended offset and width. While expensive, this is the most reliable way to permanently eliminate clearance-related rubbing and ensure proper vehicle dynamics.

Real Owner Reports

The community reports provide concrete examples of these problems and solutions. One owner of a late-model truck reported a "grinding sound at low speeds" that was traced to the rear tire rubbing on a loose bolt head from the tonneau cover rail. Simply tightening the bolt resolved the issue. Another owner with aftermarket wheels experienced severe inner tire wear. A shop found the wheel offset was too aggressive, causing excessive negative camber that alignment couldn't fully correct; the fix was installing wheels with proper offset.

For vibrations, a common report is that a "balance at a big-box store didn't fix it," but a road force balance at a specialized tire shop identified and corrected a stiff spot in the tire, smoothing out the ride. Several owners of the same SUV model reported slight rubbing at full lock; for some, it was the fender liner, while others had no issue, highlighting the role of manufacturing variance. Their solutions ranged from ignoring it (as it was minor) to minor trimming of the liner.

What Owners Paid

Costs vary dramatically based on the chosen solution.

• Tire Balancing: A standard balance typically costs $20-$40 per tire. A more advanced road force balance can range from $50-$100 per tire.
• Alignment: A standard two- or four-wheel alignment usually runs between $100 and $200. This is a standard shop procedure.
• Suspension Parts: If worn components are found, parts costs add up. For example, control arm bushings may cost $50-$200 for parts, with 1-3 hours of labor ($100-$400).
• Component Modification: Trimming a fender liner is essentially free if DIY. Quality wheel spacers can range from $100 to $300 for a set, plus professional installation if not DIY.
• New Tires/Wheels: This is the major expense. A set of four new mid-range tires can cost $600-$1200. New aftermarket wheels can range from $800 to $2500+ for a set. Mounting, balancing, and often an alignment are required with new tires/wheels, adding $150-$300.

DIY vs. Shop: Simple verification, liner trimming, and tightening loose components are within reach of a confident DIYer, saving labor costs. Alignment, suspension work, and precision balancing almost always require professional equipment and expertise. For fitment issues, consulting with a specialist tire or off-road shop before purchasing new equipment can prevent costly mistakes.

Source Summary: This analysis is based on 70 owner discussions from Reddit and automotive forums.