2000 4runner FRUSTRATION!!!

[artist]

So I've been having a frustrating issue with my 4runner. I simply can not seem to be able to identify the source of some "play" in my rear driver's side wheel. The play manifests itself in various ways.
#1 - the wheel sometimes has a slight sideways wobble.
#2 - the wheel will sometime cant sideways (turning inward - then outward) while driving - (I can see it happening in my rear-view mirror).
#3 - When the wheel is jacked up, I can grab it with both hands and slightly wobble it back and forth (not in and out - a bit of that is normal)... this is a slight "wobble."

I have torn the rear end apart right down to the central diff, unable to find the source of the play. I replaced the wheel bearing - no change. I have swapped brake-drums - rims - back/front/sideways - no change. The hub seems rock-solid - it's when I go to bolt the wheel on... and there it is!!!

I've checked for stretched studs.
I've measured stud/lug distances - all checks out.

FRUSTRATED!!!

Any ideas?

I'm at the point of contemplating replacing the whole axle-shaft/hub assembly - anyone got a part number on that???

 

[85RedRunner]

Did you try swapping the wheel with one of the others to see if it still happens?

Edit...looks like you did, after reading through the list again.

 

[artist]

Did you try swapping the wheel with one of the others to see if it still happens?

Edit...looks like you did, after reading through the list again.

Yup, did that. I have little hair left from scratching my head on this one. I noticed the phenomenon on a recent trip when I could feel the 4runner's rear slightly swinging back and forth - I looked in the driver's side mirror at the wheel and the cause of the swing was obvious - the wheel was canting to the right - then to the left, depending on the slant of the pavement. At first, I thought suspension - but I've checked all that too, and all is tight - and besides, a suspension issue would not account for why I can "wobble" the wheel when it's up on the jacks. When I wobble it - there's a slight "clicking" sound. Like I said, I just replaced the bearing, and when I grab just the hub (without the brake-drum or the wheel attached) it's rock solid - no wiggle other than the normal slight "in and out". I'm beginning to think it may be a warped hub face - the problem only turns up when I bolt the drum and wheel on - and it doesn't matter which of the 4 wheels.

 

[85RedRunner]

That would make sense..

There is also a lot more weight/leverage when shaking it with a wheel mounted, versus just the hub by hand.

 

[artist]

That would make sense..

There is also a lot more weight/leverage when shaking it with a wheel mounted, versus just the hub by hand.

so... although I'm considering a warped hub-face, how in the world is it possible that torquing the lugs up won't suck the play out - at least to the point where I wouldn't be able to wobble the wheel with my bare hands - that's the part I don't get???

 

[85RedRunner]

Thats what I'm saying about the weight of the wheel giving you better leverage to rattle the insides.

Maybe instead of just swapping wheels, do the hubs and rotors too.

 

[artist]

Thats what I'm saying about the weight of the wheel giving you better leverage to rattle the insides.

Maybe instead of just swapping wheels, do the hubs and rotors too.

This is on the back - just the brake-drum is the only additional component other than the wheel.

 

[artist]

Can anyone provide a Toyota part # (and/or Toyota price) for the rear axle-shaft on a 2000 4runner (16" wheel with ABS)?