How Do I Know If My Front Axle Is Bad?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Vibration While Driving. This is a tricky one, since there are many things that could cause vibration when you drive. …
  2. A Knocking Sound. Keep an ear out for a knocking or clunking sound, especially a rhythmic one. …
  3. “Clicking” Noises When Turning.

How do you know when your front axle is going bad?

One of the most common and most noticeable symptoms of a bad or failing CV axle shaft assembly is an audible clicking noise when turning. When CV axles become excessively worn, the joints will become loose and click when turning.

What happens if your front axle is bad?

When CV axles become excessively worn, the

constant velocity joints will become loose and click when turning or accelerating

. The clicks may become louder or more pronounced during sharper and faster turns and will be heard on the side with the faulty CV shaft.

How long can you drive on a bad axle?

Let’s get down to the answer. The answer will be relative from one CV axle to another. It could take weeks, months, or years. But the average lifespan of a bad CV axle is

around five to six months

.

Can you drive with a bad front axle?

While you might be able to limp away if the axle is only slightly bent, it is never a good idea to drive on a damaged axle.

If the axle fails completely you can lose control of the car

. Common damage to the axles include: Leaking CV boot You’re ok for a little while, but get it fixed very soon.

How much does it cost to replace an axle?

The cost to repair an axle runs

between about $500 and $600 dollars

before taxes and fees. Costs vary depending the type of vehicle, brand, make, and model. Labor costs vary from between about $50 dollars and $140 depending on how long the job takes for a model of vehicle.

What does a bad axle feel like?

Bad vehicle vibrations after a collision with a bad pothole, unexpected curb, or other objects may indicate axle damage. Vibrations may be accompanied by an

unusual rumbling noise

underneath the vehicle, strange tire wobbling, or sluggish driving and steering, which may indicate a bent axle.

What happens if your CV axle breaks while driving?

If a CV joint begins to fail while driving,

your car will start to pull to one side as one wheel loses power

. When the joint breaks completely its corresponding wheel will no longer turn and although the engine may still run, the car won’t move. … If possible, slowly steer your car off the road and then call a tow truck.

How do you know if your axle is damaged?

If your car, truck, or S/CUV vibrates no matter how slow or fast you are going,

increases vibrating as you pick up speed

, and vibrates as you go around corners, you have axle problems and should stop driving ASAP.

How long do axles last?

They carry the whole weight of the vehicle, plus passengers and cargo. These joints can generally last

up to 100,000 miles

. However, because CV axles are constantly rotating and flexing to accommodate the condition of the road, they can wear out and fail, resulting in a costly CV joint repair.

What causes a broken axle?

What causes a broken axle? …

If your car shocks are becoming worn, hitting any bump or pothole in the road

could cause damage to your car axles. Because the axle is constantly rotating and flexing to accommodate different road conditions, it can wear out and fail, resulting in a broken axle.

Can you push a car with a broken axle?

Just as the brakes, engine, and steering wheel are all a crucial part of your car, so is the front axle. … Without the front axle, the wheels can’t move. So, when it is broken, it needs

a front axle replacement for the car to be drivable again

.

How do I know if I need to replace my axle?

  1. Clunking Sounds. If the axle is damaged the vehicle will strain to move. …
  2. Wheel Area Vibrations. Odd vibrations or an uncommon rumbling sensations coming from the area of one tire that occur as you accelerate or while cornering are good signs that there is axle damage. …
  3. Car Won’t Move.

How often do axles need to be replaced?

How often do front axles need to be replaced? Straight axles tend to fail less often than CV axles because of their heavy-duty nature. The typical front CV axle should last

between 80,000 and 100,000 miles

, but your driving style can significantly increase or decrease service life.

How much does it cost to fix an axle seal leak?

Fixing an axle seal can cost anywhere

from $150 to several hundred dollars

, depending on the make and model of your car. If you detect a leak it’s better to fix it sooner rather than later, as ruining your transmission is an expensive repair.

Can you break an axle by hitting a curb?

Things that can break your vehicle’s axle include poor maintenance; an auto accident; hitting curbs, potholes, or bumps too hard; and overloading your vehicle beyond its weight-bearing capacity. The axle is responsible for transferring the engine’s power and transmission’s torque to the wheels.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.