rear end issues, tire rubbing on drivers side

Well I got off early and jacked the car up and grabbed the tire and rim and you could move the axle in and out 3/4" . Took the rim off and drum and you could grab the axle and move it in and out 3/4". I called the rear end shop that did the pinion seal, axle seals and bearing and they said it sounded like a failed axle bearing. Any though on the subject. No I didn't have any more weight than normal, all my windsurfing gear which is pretty light.