Axle Shaft has lots of play in and out

Hello, I have a 2004 sr5 tundra. For a while now it’s been making a squeaking sound kind of sounding like a flock of seagulls from a far. So kind of a squawking. Happens any time the vehicles moving. More at slow speeds but very noticeable in tunnels or passing parked cars at higher speeds too. Seems to be worse when I’m on the brake especially lightly. I’ve tried to get a video of it but my phone microphone just doesn’t pick it up. Anyways, I jacked it up and immediately noticed the rear driver wheel could be pulled about a 1/4 in or so out. Took the wheel off and took this video I’ll attach. I’m wondering what you guys think. I’m probably ignorant and it’s obviously a wheel bearing or something but I figured I’d ask some opinions as that’s kind of a nuisance of a job for someone with no press or special tools. Thank you!

 

2WD or 4WD? That's kinda important info eh?

If it increases in speed/pitch with rolling, it could be axle bearing or more likely a u-joint.

Are you noticing any other symptoms? Vibration? Clunks?

Have you jacked up each wheel independently to spin them freely and see if you hear the noise on any specific wheel? While you're in there, on the front wheels, you should also do the typical push-pull tests at 3/6 o'clock, 2/7 and 10/4 o'clock, and also push/pull grabbing at 12/6 o'clock on front/rear wheels to confirm all joints and tie rods are OK, this may also expose a bad bearing. You really want to be concerned up front, in case someone ignorant to the massive issues with aftermarket lower balljoints may've installed something other than OEM, which can be catasrophic on these trucks.

Have you checked the carrier (center support) bearing to look for torn rubber, excess rust, etc? Did you shake the driveshaft at each u-joint to look for play, or check for rust marks at the end caps of every u-joint?

 

My bad, it’s 2wd. I did check both rear independently and honestly I can’t hear much of a noise at that low of a speed. There is a slight bit of vibration while driving. It’s pulling a bit to the right but it’s done that for the time I’ve had it and it is minor. Other than that not much. I haven’t checked the front at all just because it sounded like it was coming from the back which is admittedly probably ignorant. I do have a memory of a receipt from the previous owner that said ball joints and I want to say it was from Toyota. I’ll check when I get home. Also I was ignorant to those issues so thank you for that. I haven’t had this truck too long. It’s mostly driven by my dad plus I’m new to working on vehicles, especially Toyotas in general, so bear with me lol. I will check it all out again asap. I did check the driveshaft for play and it’s got a little on both ends but it didn’t seem excessive. Should it have zero play at all? One thing worth mentioning also that I forgot until
Now is I did replace the diff fluid and there was a significant amount of metal on the magnet.

 

Check for stuck caliper piston based on those symptoms. Props to @KNABORES for drilling home the symptoms on that. Inspect your brake pads on the right hand side; are they equal wear? Are they equal wear to the left side? I still suspect a bad u-joint, though. But maybe both are plaguing you.

As a new 1st gen owner, you may want to check out this thread if you haven't already: https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

Especially pay attention to the transmission crossmember TSB.

Metal on magnet for rear isn't a huge deal. If you have LSD rear though, be careful about fluids you use, using wrong fluid in the rear diff can lead to chatter, which can lead to long-term issues.

 

Okay I’ll check the pads and calipers this week. I was thinking the vibration and pulling may be an unrelated issue such as something with the front end like that. Do you think that could be the cause of the squawking noise? What makes you think u-joint? Because of the driveshaft play? Also what’s the deal with the play in the axle shaft? That wouldn’t be caused by a u-joint would it? What to look for with the crossmember? Also what does tsb stand for? Lots of questions I know, I really appreciate all the info! Oh also, what fluid would you recommend for the rear end, it is lsd. Thank you

 

Get pics.

&twss.

 

Pics of what?

 

First off, if you can't be bothered to click on the link I posted and read the first two replies in that other thread, I can't be very motivated to help. Some of the questions you just threw at me are answered in that thread.

Squeak/screech/squeal is metal on metal. i.e. bearings in a wheel bearing, or needle bearings in a u-joint. Paired with vibrations as a symptom, it would typically be one of those things, or potentially carrier bearing. It could also be something stupid like your dust shield rubbing against your wheel or caliper, but you'd probably feel a light grind with that.

Driveshaft play means jack shit to me unless you describe a specific type of play. i.e. If you feel play at a u-joint. Some play at the carrier bearing (upwards of 1/4" in either direction) is normal.

TSB - Technical Service Bulletin. There's a known issue with '03-'04 2WD trucks with one or more of the 4 bolts holding your transmission mount to its crossmember, due to cracks. It often causes a "clunk" in 2WD trucks. Again ... see the thread I linked. It explains more, and links to the solution (and pics of the problem).

Read the thread I linked for info on how to deal with LSD rear.

But more than anything, read the first two replies in that thread. It'll tell you what you need to know. It won't solve your screeching issue, though. Which I suspect is a u-joint or wheel bearing. You won't know for sure until you check exactly what I told you to check in my last reply.