A car axle is a structural component of a vehicle that connects two wheels and allows them to rotate together. It is a central shaft that transmits power from the engine or motor to the wheels. The axle also helps to support the weight of the car and helps to keep the wheels in proper alignment.
The car axle is an essential component of a vehicle as it is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Without an axle, the car would not be able to move. The axle also helps to support the weight of the vehicle and helps to ensure a smooth ride.
It is an important part of the suspension system and helps keep the car stable when turning corners. It is vital that you regularly inspect the axle and maintain it properly to ensure optimal performance.
When a car axle breaks, it can cause a variety of problems depending on where it is located in the vehicle. Generally, when the axle is damaged, it will cause the wheel to become disconnected from the car and the car will no longer be able to drive.
Depending on the type of axle, it can also cause other issues with the braking system and the transmission. When that happens, you’ll need a brake imbalance repair right away. If you suspect that your axle is broken, it is important to take your car to a qualified car axle repair shop for repair.
What causes car axle damage?
Car axles can be damaged by a variety of causes. Although they are durable and strong since they are an essential part of the vehicle, since they are located underneath the car, these parts are more susceptible to damage than any other parts. These are the common causes of car axle problems:
Potholes
Potholes can be very damaging to a car's axle because when the wheel passes over them, the axle is forced to absorb the shock. This can lead to severe vibrations, which can cause the axle to become weakened and eventually break.
The impact from a pothole can cause the axle to become misaligned and create excessive wear on the wheel bearings, which can cause additional damage and reduce the lifespan of the axle.
Collisions
Depending on the severity of the collision, the axle can be bent, twisted, or broken. If the impact is severe enough, the axle can be forced out of its normal alignment, causing misalignments and inefficiencies in the vehicle's drivetrain.
If the axle is broken, it can cause the wheels to become loose and lead to potential safety issues. In some cases, the axle can also be pushed inward, causing it to lose its ability to rotate properly, leading to further damage to the car's drivetrain components.
Speed bumps
Excessive speed bumps can cause damage to the car axle due to the increased vibrations and jolts that are sent through the car's suspension system. The axle is a key component of the suspension system and it can be easily damaged if exposed to too much stress and strain. To prevent damage to the axle, it is important to drive over speed bumps slowly and carefully.
Rusting
This can cause damage to a car axle by weakening it and making it more susceptible to breaking. Rust also corrodes the surface of the metal and can cause it to become brittle. This can result in cracks and weak spots that are more likely to break under stress. Rust can also cause the axle to become misaligned, which can lead to the car's wheels becoming out of balance and can cause further damage to the car.
Normal wear and tear
Normal wear and tear on a car axle can cause damage over time due to the strain of the vehicle's weight, the repetitive motion of turning the wheel, and the stress of road conditions. The wheel bearings and seals can become worn out, as well as the axle shafts and joints, which can lead to a loss of lubrication and increased friction. This can cause the metal components to wear out and eventually fail, leading to more serious damage to the axle.
It's important to regularly inspect your car and its axles to ensure they are in good condition and that any damage is repaired or replaced quickly. Take your car to the best axle repair shop near you if you notice anything unusual on your car axles.
What are the signs of a broken axle?
The signs of a broken axle can vary depending on the type of axle and the severity of the break, but some of the common signs to look out for include:
A loud clunking noise when turning - When a car axle is broken, it can cause unusual noises because the axle is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Without a properly functioning axle, the car can't drive properly and the engine can be put under extra strain, which can lead to strange noises.
A noticeable decrease in power while accelerating - If the car axle is damaged, the engine is unable to send the full power to the wheels, resulting in a decrease in acceleration. The broken axle could be causing the wheels to spin independently, which can also reduce power.
Visible damage to the axle - Visible damage to a car axle can include worn or damaged bearings, loose or missing bolts, bent or cracked axle shafts, broken or loose CV joints, or oil leaks.
A vibration comes through the steering wheel - Bent or damaged car axles can cause the steering wheel to vibrate or shake unusually or excessively. You'll notice these unusual vibrations when you come across a speed hump, a speed bump, or unseen potholes. With the shaking and vibrations come rumbling noises, wobbly tires, and unstable steering wheels when making a turn, accelerating, or decelerating.
Uneven tire wear - Uneven tire wear can be caused by other issues such as misalignment or underinflation, but it could also be a sign of a more serious issue like a damaged axle.
Vehicle pulling to one side while driving - When a car axle is damaged, it can cause the car to pull to one side while driving. This is because the axle is responsible for connecting the wheels to the car's transmission, and when it is damaged, the wheels will not be able to turn at the same speed. This causes the car to pull to one side as the wheels are not spinning evenly.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for inspection to make sure the axle is in good condition.
How much does it cost to replace axles?
Car axle repair cost will depend on a variety of factors, such as the make and model of the car, the type of axle being replaced, and if the parts are being replaced by a professional mechanic or a do-it-yourselfer. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $400 per axle, depending on the factors mentioned. We recommend consulting a professional auto repair shop for an accurate estimate of the parts and labor costs.
Don’t wait till your car gets in more trouble or worse, stops working before you take it to an expert car axle repair shop for inspection. You can always search online and fix the problem in a DIY fashion but if you want fast and reliable service, better leave it to the hands of the professionals.
To keep your car axle from being damaged, remember to always watch out for potholes and speed bumps. Drive carefully and safely to avoid collisions or accidents and always inspect your car for any signs of rust. But whatever you do and no matter how careful you are, normal wear and tear will still get your car axles one day and when that happens, Car Geeks will be here to take care of that for you.
So if you hear an unusual noise when turning, or feel vibrations through your steering wheel when driving, or perhaps when your car starts to pull to one side and there's no power when you accelerate or decelerate, you'll know it's time to visit Car Geeks.
It's better to take your car to a trusted car repair shop for a more accurate estimation of axle repair costs.