Possible issues with rear live axle??

[clanofwolves]

You can take it to a driveline shop and have them check for balance, or just order a new one. Any driveline shop should be able to do it, or you can even get them from RockAuto... (make sure to get the correct V6 auto 2WD shaft)

-Charlie

It looks like that isn't the issue, especially since the OEM shaft is only 6 years and 40 thousand miles since its install.

 

[clanofwolves]

Even if you have a driveshaft thats not perfect, I can't see you feeling it in the steering wheel...

I agree...

 

[clanofwolves]

It's not the driveshaft, or so says a Toyota mechanic that checked it out for my daughter when she had it at a friends house. She told me he stated it is "either a wheel bearing or the rear end." She said he heard a clicking when either wheel spun when he had the rear of the truck elevated. She said the shop he works at could diagnose it for $100. She scheduled to take it in on Wednesday.

I'm thinking I'll jack her up again and check for any play in the wheels (there is no leaking of rear end oil now nor ever).

I'll also drain the rear and check for metal filings in that oil, then refill with new.

What do you guys think?

 

[D'arce]

I'd be interested to hear what they find if you don't find it when you check the rear.

 

[clanofwolves]

I'd be interested to hear what they find if you don't find it when you check the rear.

The right rear bearing was coming apart and a few pieces were even found in the rear end oil that was evacuated and flushed. It's all back together with all new parts at and around the wheel bearings left and right side. The clicking is gone, but the whirl vibration at highway speed hasn't changed.

Weird thing is, she just got a new set of tires post changing out the rear bearings thinking the cupped rubber on the inside of the one tire was the culprit, but the new tires didn't change anything. Interestingly the cupped rubber lugs were on the left side tire whereas the bad bearing was on the right side. So now I'm wondering if the cupping/road noise/vibration is from some other component? Or was the rear end gears compromised in some way by the metal particulates from the bad bearing, leading to a loosened or now damaged part that vibrates the chassis?

Well, "back to the drawings board, or.....?" ugg.

Thanks again for any thoughts!