Car Axle Repair Cost: Everything You Need To Know
Source: Pixabay
Your car’s axles are some of the most important equipment in the whole vehicle. They also take some of the most punishment from normal operation and how your vehicle operates, which means that even the best axles can fail.
No matter how big or how minor an axle failure is, it’s an urgent issue that needs immediate repair. If you don’t repair your axle, you risk causing significantly more damage or creating an issue that makes it, so your vehicle isn’t drivable.
Here’s what you need to know about your axle, how much it costs to repair your axle, and signs that your axle needs repairs.
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What Is Your Axle?
Most people think they know what the axle is but don’t realize that there are different kinds of axles and that different vehicles can have an axle that works in a slightly different way.
We’re not going to get into a ton of detail here, but it’s worth knowing that there is a variety of axles and axle types.
At the most basic level, the axle is what allows your wheels to turn and connects the wheels to the transmission. Often vehicles have axles that move independently to help control direction and to make smoothing easier or to help account for changes in elevation and other suspension challenges.
These parts are one of the parts of your vehicle that’s specifically designed for durability because, without them, your vehicle can’t go anywhere.
Axles are so important it’s common to tow your vehicle instead of driving it to the mechanic if you suspect that an axle issue is in play.
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How Much Does An Axle Cost To Repair?
Car axles are one of those parts that have developed a reputation for being a hugely expensive repair when something goes wrong. However, the car axle is fairly middle of the road when it comes to repair costs.
The much higher cost is usually when you don’t catch an axle problem quickly enough, and additional damage occurs that also needs to be repaired.
A typical single axle replacement should cost somewhere between $150-$500.
That depends on the type of axle you’re talking about, how severe the break was (whether it cracked, broke entirely, has a lubrication boot leaking, etc.), and how hard it is for your mechanic to get to the axle.
Typically, though, the part isn’t that expensive considering how important it is, and they’re usually highly accessible for your mechanic to start working.
How Long Should Your Axle Last?
Different axles do have slightly different durability estimates, so we’re going with the rule of thumb rather than a specific durability recommendation for your axle.
That said, typically, axles last about 100,000 miles and can last longer.
However, there are a few additional complications when it comes to axle life.
For one thing, depending on the kind of terrain you’re driving on, your axle might last longer, or not as long, as average. Typically rough or bumpy terrain is going to wear on your axle faster than smooth, even terrain.
Even the difference between the formulation of asphalt and the combination of materials used in road construction can affect the life of your axles.
Also, it’s common for axles to go out separately, but once one axle breaks, the others are more likely to also break, especially if you don’t notice right away and drive on a damaged axle. Driving on a damaged axle invites additional damage to the other axles since they compensate for some of the problems.
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Symptoms Of Axle Problems
If you’re concerned you will miss axle problems until they get too severe to ignore, this section is for you! These are some of the most common symptoms of axle problems, and many of them are early warning signs that will tell you something is wrong before your axle causes significant problems.
Vibration While Driving
Extra vibration while driving is a common symptom of a lot of issues when it comes to suspension, steering systems, and wheel assembly.
But, the thing is, no matter how many different systems have the same symptom, the symptom itself is important to notice.
If your vehicle is gradually driving with more and more vibration, especially if it’s typically a smooth operating vehicle, that can be a sign that something is wrong with your axle.
Greasy Tires
Greasy tires might sound like an odd symptom of an axle problem, but it’s actually one of the most common and most axle-specific symptoms you’ll encounter.
Specifically, you’re looking for greasy tires that are greasy along the inside edge and wall. Eventually, that grease can and will migrate to the outer side of the tires, but it will typically start on the inside, and it’s better if you can notice it’s happening while on the inside.
This symptom happens when the system that lubricates your axle is leaking or damaged. The grease will start traveling down the axle, where it eventually makes it onto the wheel hub and tire.
While this sign can be subtle, and you almost need to look for it, it’s typically a good measure of axle problems and a sign you need to get your vehicle to a mechanic.
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Rhythmic Knocking
Rhythmic knocking can be another common sign of axle problems. This is different from engine knocking or a-rhythmic sounds that usually point to other systems.
Rhythmic knocking is usually a sign that there is a problem with at least one axle that creates the sound when the axle hits a specific point in its rotation. As the problem progresses, it can also get more severe, either louder or faster, which is another sign that the axle is the source.
Greasy Undercarriage
In the absence of another explanation, like a known oil leak, a greasy undercarriage is one of the most common ways to find an axle problem.
Normally people only notice this problem if they have other symptoms of an axle problem and check the undercarriage, and it happens for the same reason as greasy tires.
A greasy undercarriage can happen when the axle, especially the front axles, starts leaking grease. The grease slowly spreads, usually down the axle, but it can also get blown off the axle and spray back toward the undercarriage, where it gets caught and creates a greasy film.
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