I have a 98 4runner that I've had about a year. There has been a noise from the rear that has progressively gotten worse and the right rear has the death wobble. After new tires, fixing a rear bent rim, problem is only getting worse. Shop is telling me bent axle, replace it immediately and stay off hwy. It's a costly repair!! How can I find out if it's the axle, axle housing or maybe just a bearing??

 

The rear ends love to leak at the axle seals. Bearings will eventually go out.

Tell me more about the bent rim...in a worst case scenario....you smoke a wheel hard enough....you sure as hell can bend an axle.

Have a pic of rim? Location?

 

After market rim is on right rear, had slight bend, took to a wheel repair place, they heated it up and rolled out the bend. (damaged before I bought the 4runner, could not visually tell) Could never get it to balance, after repair balances out perfect. Shop said the same thing, if the wheel was bent then it was certainly possible to have bent axle. Not trying to second guess this shop, wanna fix the issue but kinda on a budget so if I can avoid the whole axle assy that would be great.

 

What are the odds...you are local. I want you to message mightymouse on this website. He can probably get you a used axle and hook you up with someone to swap it out for you cheap. He's a good guy.

I'd do it for you myself, but Im currently dealing with a ruptured disc in my back and am grounded from any lifting/work for now.

 

I am in Glendale, MO

 

Thanks for the info, mightymouse got me in contact with a local shop to get me a second opinion!!