Uneven tread wear on a rear tire could be caused by which of the following?

Uneven tread wear on a rear tire can indeed be caused by a bent axle. A bent axle can create misalignment, which places uneven pressure on the tires as they contact the road. This misalignment can lead to one side of the tire wearing down faster than the other, resulting in uneven tread wear.

When the axle is not true, it alters the angle at which the tires engage the ground, and over time, this inconsistent contact leads to increased wear on specific parts of the tire tread. Addressing a bent axle typically involves inspecting and replacing the damaged component to restore proper alignment and prevent further uneven wear.

In contrast, while a bad wheel bearing can also contribute to tire wear issues, it typically presents differently and more commonly leads to noise and play in the wheel rather than direct uneven tread wear. Understanding the role of each component can assist in diagnosing and resolving tire wear problems effectively.