Axle looseness, potential source of noise for drive train rumble

[Burnie]

Hi all, Long story short: for nearly 2 years we've had a low rumble developing in our 2012 RAV4 (Sport) and changing character over time from hard to hear to now very obvious (and grinding noise). Definite related to drive train as it changes speed with vehicle speed. It has become more pronounced through brake pad change and rotor resurfacing, tire change/balancing, and an alignment. I've asked the dealer to look for the source during regular service with nothing flagged. Finally paid for diagnostics ~6 months ago, they identified wheel bearing as likely cause and I had it replace even though I was a bit dubious. Wheel bearing did not fix the problem and it has continued to get louder.

Inspecting it myself didn't turn anything up until the last inspection where the axle is notably loose (I think) at the transaxle end. Attached is a video (sorry for shakiness) of the left front axle and transaxle housing as the axle is being strongly wiggled/pushed/pulled. Note the play between the axle and the housing. There is no fluid leaking (yet). This more play than I would expect and I would greatly appreciate other opinions. Thanks.

 

[tx_shooter]

Welcome to TOR!

On that CV axle; how does the other side look? That is a lot of slack.

 

[PSU Taco85]

It does look like excessive play but I’d check the other side for comparison. Which wheel bearings were replaced? Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint exactly which wheel it’s coming from. Hopefully if it was the front they did both of the front ones. I’d check all wheel bearings for play, and depending on the mileage just replace them all for the peace of mind. IMO you’re running on borrowed time with anything over 100k on unit bearings.

 

[Burnie]

Thanks for the responses. Unfortunately the other side is a different axle configuration (with a mid-axle bearing mount as I recall), regardless it didn't have the same play but I'm not convinced it was even possible to apply the same pressure given the different set up.
Just the front left wheel bearing was replaced, same side as the video is showing. I can definitely see that it may be difficult to pinpoint which side, but with the given amount of noise being generated now all drivers and passengers agree it's the left front.

 

[tx_shooter]

Think I would pull that CV axle and try to use a scope camera to look inside that axle housing. It looks like the bearings are toasted and have too much play. I would be really surprised if the CV is not seated all the way considering how tight Toyota made the 4Runner and Tacoma CV axles.