Rear wheel moves in and out at 12 o`clock.

Hi,

Today I stayed in the back when somebody else was driving the car and I noticed a lot of clunking (like you would shake a tool box) coming from the rear right.

When I had the chance I looked at the wheel and when I yanked it in and out at 12 oclock it moves outwards about 2 inches.
The lug nuts are ok. I raised the chassis till wheel was off the ground and I could not replicate in and out movement nor side to side (9 o`clock to 3o`clock).
Need help Is it safe to drive? What could I test next in order to determine what it is?

I know for sure that is not a bearing because a bad bearing would make the wheel move in all directions.

Thank you.
Mitch

I would pull the wheel off and check over everything. Suspension, bolts, etc. Also, while it is on the ground have someone move the wheel and watch underneath to see if there is anything loose. I would say that it wouldn't be safe to drive, it is a risk that there will be more damage than what there already is if something breaks. I haven't encountered anything like this before, but that would be where I would start. Also, may help to know what year and model malibu you have since it may be something covered under warranty.

It sounds like jurgs2007 (http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/member.php?u=7025) was having in this thread http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=44622. Was the parking brake on when it was raised? I wonder if it weren't loose hub mounting bolts. The parking brake would've tightened things up.

Problem solved.
The strut was wobbling in the strut mount that was causing weird sounds and the wheel play. The strut was shot and it destroyed the mount.
Had to change the strut and mount plus labor at local shop ended up costing 206.
The mechanic said he recommends the changing of struts in pairs but right now I`m broke so the other one has to wait a bit.

Thank you for the input.

Mitch

Oh, man, that could've been disatrous.:( Thanks for the update.