Bad axle bearings can make a thumping noise. I have had to replace a couple in the past. Don't think your axle is coming out even with the failure of the bearing. If a ball bearing comes out the wheel will make a lot of noise and vibration.
I replaced all bearings, seals and gaskets on mine. Preventive failure maint...
Engine Test Stand Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoxyUwptUcdqEb-o2ArqyiUaHW0G_C88 restoring my 1968 Firebird 400 HO convertible (Firedawg) 1965 Pontiac Catalina Safari Wagon 389 TriPower (Catwagon) 1999 JD AWS LX Lawn tractor 17hp (my daily driver) 2006 Sequoia 2017 Murano (wife's car) 202? Electric car 203? 68 Firebird /w electric engine 2007 Bayliner 175 runabout /w 3.0L Mercuiser__________________________________________________________
