You don’t want your axle to break. Even though the possibilities of this happening are slim, a broken car axle is something you don’t want to happen. In this article, we shall be looking at the signs of a broken car axle, we shall also consider the causes of this issue…..so let’s get started.
If a vehicle’s drive axle is destroyed, it won’t move very far or anywhere. Axles are rods or shafts that connect the drive wheels to the rest of the vehicle. Axles are responsible for transferring power from the transmission to the wheels. The wheels rotate when the axle rotates, and without a functioning axle, the wheels do not move.
Axles also support the vehicle’s weight, as well as the weight of its passengers and cargo. Even though axles are designed to be durable, an overloaded vehicle can cause an axle to crack or break. Axle difficulties might also be caused by poor carrier bearings or potholes.
There are four signs that your car’s axles need to be repaired. If you see one of the following signs of axle damage, it’s time to have a professional inspect your car.
Read also: Steering Problems: Causes and Solutions
Signs Of A Broken Car Axle
Loud Clicking or Clanking Sound: There could be axle-joint damage if your car makes an unusually loud clanking or clunking noise as it shifts into gear, or if it struggles to obtain power as it starts to drive. Due to slack in the joints, this type of noise usually signals that the transmission is unable to efficiently transfer power to the wheels.
A strong clanking or clunking noise may also indicate transmission breakdown, necessitating a professional evaluation. When constant velocity axles fail, a peculiar clicking sound may be heard when rotating the vehicle due to loose joints. These clicks occur on the side of the problematic axle shaft, and they usually get louder when turning sharply or quickly.
Bad Vibrations: Axle damage might be indicated by significant car vibrations following a collision with a bad pothole, unexpected curb, or other objects. Vibrations may be accompanied by a peculiar rumbling sounds from beneath the car, abnormal tire wobbling, or sluggish driving and steering, all of which could suggest a bent axle.
During accelerations, decelerations, or turns, vibrations may be particularly evident. If the vibrations are also noticeable when driving at moderate speeds, it’s a good sign that something is amiss with the axle. Vibrations that are excessive or unexpected might affect vehicle handling, comfort, and safety. If the axle is damaged to the point of causing vibrations, it should be replaced.
Leaking Of Grease: A leaking axle boot or CV boot, which is the rubber cover over the drive axle joint or CV joint, can cause grease to leak below the car or on the inside tire edge. Though a leaky axle boot does not always indicate that the axle has been damaged, insufficient oil caused by the leak can lead to future issues. Dirt can also get into a joint through a broken joint cover, causing axle joint and/or axle failure.
Axle boots and boot clamps should be inspected for splits or leaks on a regular basis, and they are visible beneath a car. To avoid a more serious breakdown of the axle system, a leaky axle boot should be repaired as soon as possible.
Slow Movement Of Car: If a car starts normally, shifts into gear, and makes a normal engine noise and moves slowly, it most likely has a fractured axle at the universal joint. The engine only revs and the vehicle does not move in this circumstance, no matter how hard you press the accelerator pedal. The vehicle will not move until it is repaired, which is the classic circumstance of going nowhere fast.
It’s crucial to understand how vital drive axles are and to have them inspected on a regular basis during car maintenance. Axles are just as crucial to a vehicle’s correct operation and safety as the engine, steering system, brakes, and tires, albeit they are less well-known. If an axle is damaged, have it repaired as soon as possible by a reputable expert.
Read also: Why Car Vibrates at Certain Speed
Now let’s look at the causes of broken car axle…
Causes of Broken Car Axle
Let’s talk about what a car axle does before we get into what can break it. Because your vehicle cannot function without an axle, a break is terrible. An automobile typically has two axles, whereas larger vehicles have four. The axles are core shafts that turn the wheels and link to them. Your vehicle’s wheels will not turn unless the axles generate power. Axles can be broken by a variety of things and they include:
- Large bumps and potholes are examples of road conditions that put a strain on the axles.
- Overloading vehicles with freight or passengers in excess of their carrying capacity.
- Metal fatigue in older, high-mileage vehicles caused by rust and brittleness can break a car axle.
- Automobile collisions that result in damage to the wheels and/or the undercarriage
You are unlikely to shatter an axle if you drive carefully on uneven roads and never overload your vehicle over its maximum weight capability. If you believe it’s fun to fly over bumps, potholes, and speed bumps at high speeds, you’re overstretching your vehicle’s suspension and risk breaking an axle. If you don’t slow down for road hazards, you can harm the wheels and suspension in various ways.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Broken Car Axle?
The cost of the repairs can range from $170 to $900 or more. It is mostly determined by the type of vehicle you own, as parts vary greatly in price. Labor charges normally range from $100 to $200, while some autos will cost more. It all depends on how long it takes the mechanic to replace your axle.
Can You drive With A Broken Car Axle?
Do not drive the car if one of the axles is broken. It is not secure. If you hear a bumping, clicking, or grinding sounds as you enter a turn, your axle isn’t yet broken, but it will be soon. When your axle fails, you may lose control of your vehicle, potentially causing an accident or crashing.
How Can You Tell If Your Car Axle Breaks?
If one of your axles fails while you’re driving, your automobile will pull to one side as one wheel loses power. When an axle entirely breaks, the associated wheel will no longer revolve, and the automobile will not drive, even if the engine continues to function.
Does Insurance Cover Broken Axle?
Despite the fact that insurance does not cover routine maintenance, it may pay axle repairs if they were damaged by a covered item. If your axle breaks as a result of an auto accident, comprehensive and collision coverage may pay for replacement. Some insurance even include coverage for damage caused by inclement weather.
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