I Was Being Followed...

[Don Jordan]

I finally got the beast running - at long last. I was going to go to the gas station and had a friend follow in my truck. Long story short: My friend said the left rear wheel wobbled. I thought it might be the wheel so I went home and switched the two back tires. Went for another ride. Same thing - left wheel wobbled. Does this mean a bent axle? Is there an easy fix? How bad will it be if I don't fix it? This has been the car from hell.

[chopt50wgn]

Take off the offending wheel and use a dial indicator to see if the axle flange is running out of round.

[TodFitch]

I guess there is a slight chance that it might be the hub and brake drum assembly too. As sunsetdart suggests, use a dial indicator to see what is or is not running true. I'd start with the wheel and tire on and measure the rim run out. Then I'd remove the wheel and check the runout on the drum. And then I'd check the runout on the axle shaft.

[mrwrstory]

You don't even need a dial indicator.  Any kinda pointer like a pencil or paint stick mounded to a stable base lets you see if something is not kosher.  You may not know how much the runout is but, if one can see it from the car behind, it will be dramatic!

[DJ194950]

Had a simular problem on my 50 4dr. drivers side rear tire.

Removed tire and brake drum.

The key had some dings and keyway some protuding edges. With file and sandpaper removed offending dings and such. Reinstalled all and it was fine.

Hope it something relatively easy as was mine??

Best to ya,

Doug

[Don Jordan]

You are lucky - with me nothing is ever easy. it's a weekend job. At least the old girl runs.