Help needed

[Fast05]

Ok so about a month ago I got my car back from the shop after my accident. The axle on the driver's side was replaced due to it being bent. Since I got the car back I heard a rattling sound that sounded like it was coming from under the back passenger quarter panel. Upon further investigation, I had someone drive my car while I sat in the back seat. If I pull the back of the seat down I can hear the noise coming from directly beneath the sheet metal under the seat (right where the axle is).

Ok, so I take it home and jack the back end up and start pulling and pushing on things trying to recreate the sound I was hearing and narrowed it down to this - If I pull on the back right wheel it actually comes out towards me about a 1/16th of an inch and of course I can push it back in that far. Pulling and pushing it in and out real quick produces the sound I'm hearing, basically a metal chatter. The driver's side wheel doesn't budge at all so something has to be up? I'm going to the garage again to take a few things apart and see if there's anything I can do, but if anyone knows what may cause this and if I can fix it myself any advice would sure help. I just hope the shop didn't possibly overlook any possible damage to this axle during the accident, I hope something is just loose and I can tighten it back up...

:SNSign:

 

[anthony05gt]

You need to get that fixed right away. You run the risk of the axle coming out while driving. Chances are, it's the brake caliper keeping the axle in at this point. May have popped an axle clip.

 

[Fast05]

Ok I know nothing about brakes but here goes. Don't know if this helps but if I pull and push on the part of the brakes that the brake pads are on it seems to be just part of the brake unit moving in and out? I can't tell if the axle itself is moving but I see nothing on the brakes that looks loose and I checked all bolts and nuts and everything seems tight enough.

 

[bigcat]

are you doing this with the wheel on or off? the rotor may slide a little with the wheel off. if the wheel is off, try pulling on the lug studs. if it still moves,them it is in the axle. if the studs dont move, its in the brakes (most likely). check to see if the caliper and its mounting bracket are tight first.

 

[bigcat]

also, did they replace the entire axle assembly, or just the housing or other parts?

 

[Fast05]

are you doing this with the wheel on or off? the rotor may slide a little with the wheel off. if the wheel is off, try pulling on the lug studs. if it still moves,them it is in the axle. if the studs dont move, its in the brakes (most likely). check to see if the caliper and its mounting bracket are tight first.

pulled on studs....the axle moves in and out, and they replaced the entire axle assembly on the other side

 

[bigcat]

pm sent....

 

[anthony05gt]

Sounds like a clip missing.

 

[bigcat]

View attachment 441252

 

[bigcat]

seems as if the c clip is not properly installed. could it do damage? yes. how much? i am not sure. basically, the only thing holding the axle in is the caliper mounting bracket. if that breaks, then bye-bye axleshaft and wheel. i am not 100% sure about damage to the gears/differential. this is not a good situation, and i would get it fixed ASAP!!

 

[anthony05gt]

You know, I wouldn't even drive it, but it is an easy fix, probably no damage has been done.