I installed manual hubs on my '93 4Runner with ADD and noticed unusual cv axle shaft slop at the hub on the passenger side. I didn't notice any on the driver's side. When I took it for a test drive with the hubs free, a nasty rattle came from the passenger side. With the hubs locked, the rattle disappeared.

From what I've read this may be excessively worn spindle bushings. Has anyone had a similar experience? I know I need to tear it apart to further investigate, but this rig is my DD so I can't get at it for a while. Is there anything else which might cause such excessive play? I doubt it's worn wheel bearings because I haven't noticed any grinding, humming, steering wobble, etc.

 

You did get the snap ring on the CV axle??

Remembered to put the lock back on to hold the wheel bearing preload??

For the most bushings don`t rattle it would have been more of a grinding noise .

If the bushing were worn you would have play weather the hubs are locked or not I would bet something got missed on that side.

Then it might be unrelated to what you did.

 

Okay, thanks for the reply. I didn't touch anything except for the bolt and washer which thread into the end of the axle shaft, and in my haste neglected to take my time and check things out. It may well be something a previous owner missed. I've found several other shoddy repairs on this truck. It really grinds my gears!

 

I poked around a bit and located the problem. Suffice to say it wasn't in the hub! It was a facepalm moment, but I'm glad I figured it out.

Thanks for the help!

 

Well what was it? It might help people in the future searching

 

Turns out the inner fender plastic came loose and due to air resistance only rubbed against the tire at ~30mph and up. It bounced off the tire at a steep angle, which made a distinct chattering.

 

^ Haha! Yup been there! Glad it was an cheap/easy fix!

 

Your basic "playing card in the spokes" phenomenon!