2008 Land Cruiser bent axle shaft?

[THE LIRA]

Hello all I seem to have a LC with a bent drivers side rear axle shaft.

Here is a little back story.....

I bought a 2008 Land Cruiser last year from Carmax with 83k miles on it. It was a good deal considering the mileage and the situation that I was in.

My wife had a Ford Flex and little things started breaking, going haywire or going out right around the 36k mark. Frustrated with the vehicle and dealership that did not want to fix things because the vehicle was right at the the end of warranty 36003 miles to be exact. I got rid of my 100 series LC (mistake, should have kept it) tried her her Flex and bought her this LC. She liked it but she said that it is thirsty and she drives a lot. So I bought her an Avalon. The LC is now our family trip vehicle.

All that being said the LC seems to have a bent axle shaft. I noticed a shake on test drive and had Carmax replace the brakes, rotors, tires within the first week. My wife said it was okay after that and I did not really get a chance to drive the LC except for a few times and those were on back roads. The drivers side rear wheel seems to shake while driving. Not too bad but definitely noticeable. I can also hear it in the cab of the LC. I took a video of the wheel and it seems to be moving a little while driving. I have checked wheel balance, tires, changed out rims, u-joints, drive shafts, bearings etc... Has anyone run into this problem? Any advice? Any input is appreciated.. Before I start tearing into the rear end.

 

[NLScooby]

I can't imagine a scenario where a rear axle shaft could get bent on a vehicle that isn't heavily modified for off-road use.....but maybe my imagination isn't what it used to be.

Have you checked your rear shock? I know that when a shock has failed, the wheel/tire at that corner can bounce quite a bit - which can be transmitted to the cab.

 

[linuxgod]

Take it to a shop, have them put it up on the lift, put the truck in neutral, and then spin the wheels. If the shaft is bent, you should be able to measure the wobble. If it's not wobbling then the shaft isn't bent, though it doesn't rule out something else like bearings being worn in the drive line. (Note: you could do this yourself as well with 4 jack stands)

I'm with NLScooby though - while it's possible to bend a rear axle shaft it seems unlikely unless the vehicle has been subject to excessive torque. I would look for something else loose or worn.

 

[Atwalz]

Check your rear bearing its pressed on the shaft.

 

[THE LIRA]

Okay thanks guys. I have a video of it just do not know how to upload it.

 

[Atwalz]

Upload the video on you-tube and then share a link here.

 

[THE LIRA]

Here is the link. I hope I did it correctly. If not let me know thanks.

 

[Ali FJ80]

edit: sorry, just read you tried swapping wheels already.

 

[TexAZ]

I think OP stated he tried different wheels. it doesn't look like the wobble occurs at the same frequency as the wheel rotation. I would tend to agree with Atwals, the bearing may be damaged.

 

[gaijin]

Wheel looks fine, but tire is FUBAR. Are you sure you see the same thing in the same location with a different wheel/tire combo?

HTH

 

[THE LIRA]

Thank you all for the help. I am checking each thing out that you guys are recommending. I will check the bearing next. ATWALZ any tips on checking the bearing without pulling everything off? I have done the lift the vehicle, put your hands at the opposing sides of the tire and try to wiggle it.

I put the spare on and it did the same. I rotated the tires and it did the same. When I had the tires rotated and balanced I had them check the rim and tire to see if they are warped to the tire is out of round. I was told that the wheel is true and the tire is fine. It all results is the same sound and wobble of only this wheel.

 

[Atwalz]

Here are specification to check the runout.

 

[Ruquik]

My right rear also feels I have a bent axle shaft wheel spacers off I rotated feel I swap the wheels swap the wheels again with an entirely different set actually there have been three sets on there now.

Help

 

[THE LIRA]

Update, I have not been able to work on the LC because I was rear ended in my wife's Avalon and the jerk off drove off hitting 2 other vehicles in the process. It was totaled and the wife took the cruiser until I found her another Avalon just like the one she had previously. I just found on for her and picked it up a couple of weeks ago. I now finally have the LC back in the garage to work on. Now I just have to find time in between work, honey do lists and college to get the LC up in the air.

Raquik, I too have had the wheels rotated, sets of other wheels, had the wheels balanced and still no resolution. I did drive a friends silver 2013 and it also had a little shake. Not as bad as mine though. I am sure it is something I am overlooking.. Hopefully.

 

[Ma son]

Update, I have not been able to work on the LC because I was rear ended in my wife's Avalon and the jerk off drove off hitting 2 other vehicles in the process. It was totaled and the wife took the cruiser until I found her another Avalon just like the one she had previously. I just found on for her and picked it up a couple of weeks ago. I now finally have the LC back in the garage to work on. Now I just have to find time in between work, honey do lists and college to get the LC up in the air.

Raquik, I too have had the wheels rotated, sets of other wheels, had the wheels balanced and still no resolution. I did drive a friends silver 2013 and it also had a little shake. Not as bad as mine though. I am sure it is something I am overlooking.. Hopefully.

Ever get a solution for this issue?