Yesterday while I was driving on the freeway my car started shuddering. I usually don't go more than 45mph for the most part. Started hearing a creaking sound coming from rear-axle on the passenger-side as I slowed down at stop lights. Also the car is swaying slightly left and to the right. This seems to suggest suspension issues, so I checked....both rear bearings seem OK (wheels don't seem loose)...its possibly the rear-axle bushings. I've never done this job and have read online that its easier to replace the entire axle-beam instead of each axle-bushing. Is this true? It seems equally as difficult unless you run into issues with the bushing. Is this something beyond the scope of home-mechanic due to danger of car falling on top of you? (risk vs reward) Or is it something else entirely? Like the shocks suddenly squeaking (but why would the car sway left to right?) Car has 240K miles. Thoughts appreciated.
everything looks OK after i went underneath the car...bushings, shock absorbers, etc. was driving with a lawnmower in the back hatch and it was really pronounced swaying. any suggestions on what to look for? is there a hidden bushing somewhere that could deteriorate and some metal part is covering it so I can't see it? AI: didn't know shocks could fail without any external evidence If the bushings look visually intact, the wheel bearings have zero play, and the shocks are completely dry, you are likely dealing with internal shock absorber failure, a separated hidden upper shock mount, or an underlying braking anomaly. Shocks can lose all internal hydraulic dampening pressure and completely fail without leaking a single drop of fluid. [1, 2] Separated Upper Shock Mount (The Foam/Rubber Bushing): The upper mount for a Gen 2 Prius shock is hidden inside the car's rear cabin trim. Even if the lower suspension bushings look perfect, the rubber isolator at the very top of the shock body frequently disintegrates or separates. When you slow down, the loose metal shock rod shifts and rubs against the car body, producing a loud squeak and unstable handling
