Rear end wiggle/squirm at highway speed?

[fivegear]

If I am traveling in a straight line and let off the gas pedal the rear of my 4runner moves. I have noisy axle bearings for sure, but they don't seem to be loose. I have tried to wiggle any and all links to the axle but having a 10 month old at home I haven't had time to get it up in the air to properly explore the issue. I am sorry if this is something I could have found by searching but I didn't have luck searching. Just wondering if this is a known issue or common problem, it has 165,000 miles and as far as I know hasn't had any maintenance on suspension components. Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[Burt]

I think one of those bad bearings may be seizing up, causing the differential to compensate. I'd get those bearing replaced very soon as to not damage the axle or housing. Could be big $$$ to repair if so.

 

[DiskDoctr]

Check wheels mounting

Check that the wheels are mounted properly and securely. I normally spin the lugnuts snug by hand while wiggling the wheel to ensure the wheel is centered and firmly mounted.

If not, the wheel could work its way loose and give some sway. (The lug nuts hold it on but can't hold it in place)

To check, check the lug nuts for anything loose, or better yet jack it up, pull each wheel and check for any wearing parts, then be careful when reinstalling the wheel.

 

[fivegear]

I am hoping to pull it in the building at lunch today at work and raise it up and pull the rear wheels. I had the front left off to put a sway bar link on last week, I see exactly what you are talking about with the lug nuts being tricky. As far as the bearings locking up, I am fairly certain it isn't that happening, they are not that far along yet. The radio being on covers up the noise easy enough still. Both axle seals are leaking too, this may turn into a big job...

 

[fivegear]

Well I finally got a chance to lift it up in the air at lunch today, there is no movement in either rear bearing top to bottom, side to side, or in and out. Both rear wheels are properly installed. The only thing I could find on the side to side movement is one rubber bushing in an axle link I could rattle by shaking it. It didn't have much movement to it, but it is torn for sure, I imagine that the forces at work going down the road could turn that minimal movement into a lot more. Are those referred to as quadrant links? Being a four link setup, I was assuming. Thanks, Brian

 

[Cjt916]

???

I have the same exact problem and mine even does just randomly while traveling over 40mph but definitely every single time I let off the gas pedal as well. Did you ever find the problem ?