Rear Axle Issues

[purevenom1]

I posted awhile back asking about the tire wear on the inside of the rear tires. I think I have found out what the cause is.

Couple weeks when I was driving home I keep hearing this scrubbinbg noise from the rear of the truck. Pull over and checked it out but didnt see anything wrong. So I continued home since I was only a mile or so from the house. Low and behold as soon as I pulled in the driveway I could smell the gear oil. Looked under the truck and it was pouring out of the right rear wheel. Well I finally got it tore down a few days later and the bearings on that side was toast. There was several of the ball bearings missing. So either the housing is bent or the axle shaft or even both could be.

When I was pulling it apart that side was hard to remove from the housing. Got the bearings put on since I cant find a decent price rear axle assembly and going to drive it til it breaks again. LOL

 

[fourwd1]

Yeah, now that's a problem.
Have you been leaking gear oil before it started gushing?

 

[purevenom1]

Yeah, now that's a problem.
Have you been leaking gear oil before it started gushing?

None at all. Started making the srubbing noise a few days before I kept hearing something that sounded like rocks or bbs hitting the wheel wells hence prob why I didnt find any in the rear end.

 

[4runner_kid]

That's a nice one.

 

[s2kpuddydad]

Wow that sucks....what price have you found on the rear axle? maybe it can be straighten?

 

[purevenom1]

Went to the LKQ close by where you pull yout own parts and at first it started out as $139 w/ $20 core w/o accessories and when I got up there is was close to $400 for housing, diff, shafts, and control arms. No brakes, drums. Plus someone had already removed the fill and drain plugs and not knowing how long it sat open like that. And they only offer a 30 day warranty. I have seen some on craigslist for $200 complete drum to drum. I would rather do that and change all the seals and bearings out then I know I have a good axle rather then spending 400 plus bearings, seals and such.

Still looking around as I have just replaced the bearings in mine for now to buy me some more time before it goes out again.

 

[fourwd1]

Jumping to replace an axle shaft or the entire housing would be premature, unless you have actually verified they are bent.

It may just be the angle of the pic, but the wear on the shaft where the seal would sit doesn't look right, which is why I asked if you had a leak.

 

[purevenom1]

Jumping to replace an axle shaft or the entire housing would be premature, unless you have actually verified they are bent.

It may just be the angle of the pic, but the wear on the shaft where the seal would sit doesn't look right, which is why I asked if you had a leak.

The reason I am saying one or the other is bent is when I pulled them apart I had to use a prybar to slowly work out that axle. The drivers side pulled out real easy. Also when it was going back together I had to lightly tap it into place w/ a rubber mallet.

When the truck was off of the ground on jack standsand you try to turn the wheels by hand w/ the brake off and in neutral it was really hard. Started it up and put it in gear and you can see a slight wobble from that side looking at it from the rear. I am not saying that just to have something else to change out for sh*ts and giggles. lol. Its just about the only conclusion I have came up w/ as why the right rear tire has a slight angle out from the truck and that there is a slight scrubbing noise in the rear when I turn sharp to the right due to the wobble and the drum is rubbing the shield on the back.

It was wearing the tires before the lift kit was installed. Just didnt think nothing of it since the kit went on shortly after I got it. I thought the PO had rotated tires since it was wearing like that.

 

[fourwd1]

The reason I am saying one or the other is bent is when I pulled them apart I had to use a prybar to slowly work out that axle. The drivers side pulled out real easy. Also when it was going back together I had to lightly tap it into place w/ a rubber mallet.

When the truck was off of the ground on jack standsand you try to turn the wheels by hand w/ the brake off and in neutral it was really hard. Started it up and put it in gear and you can see a slight wobble from that side looking at it from the rear. ...

OK, they're some good indications.