Car Axle Repair
An important part of your vehicle, but one that doesn’t get a lot of attention, is the axle. Without its axle, your vehicle wouldn’t go anywhere. One of the reasons the axle doesn’t get a lot of attention is because it doesn’t need a lot of maintenance to continue operating. However, there may come a time when you need axle repairs. When this time arrives, you’ll want to know the signs to look for that signify you have axle issues and what to do about them.
Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know about a vehicle’s axle, including what it does, why it might break, and how our team can help you fix it.
What Does the Car Axle Do?
Your car’s axle is essentially a long metal rod that rotates the wheels. It runs underneath the vehicle, connecting two of the wheels, where it also helps to support some of the vehicle’s weight. As your engine and transmission run, they transfer power to the axle, which then propels the car forward. Whether both axles receive power or just one of them depends on whether you’re driving a vehicle with front-wheel, all-wheel, or four-wheel drive. Most vehicles have two axles, connecting the front pair of wheels and the rear wheels together.
Signs You Need Car Axle Repair
If the axle in your vehicle breaks, you’ll notice some problems right away. The first sign to look for is some unusual vibrations. When your axle bends, it causes the vehicle to shake excessively. You’ll probably notice these vibrations even more when you’re driving over a speed bump or a pothole. Vibrations from a damaged axle can also appear when you’re turning the vehicle or changing speeds. Though you can likely drive slowly with these vibrations, we highly recommend that you bring in your vehicle for inspection sooner rather than later.
Another common sign of axle damage is loud noises. Loud noises from your axle can occur not when it bends, but rather when the joint wears out. It’s common for axle joints to rust over time, which can cause them to rupture. If you hear a loud clicking or clunking sound when trying to turn your vehicle, a damaged axle joint is the likely culprit.
Next, your vehicle leaking grease may mean a damaged axle. If you see grease alongside your tires, this is commonly due to a leaking axle boot. Leaking axle grease, if left untreated, can lead to a loss of functionality within the axle. It can also lower the effectiveness of your brakes if this grease slips onto your brake pads. Leaking grease may not be a catastrophic issue at the beginning, but it’s still important to address it soon.
Finally, if your vehicle simply stops moving, there’s a chance the cause is a broken axle. When your axle experiences damage, it can result in mobility issues for your vehicle. If you try to start your vehicle and turn the gears only to discover that your vehicle isn’t moving, suspect an issue with the axle. In this situation, you’ll likely need a tow truck to bring your car to a local service center.
What Can Cause Car Axle Damage?
Your axles are located in a vulnerable spot underneath the vehicle. There are numerous things that could damage your axle as you’re driving. For example, if you hit a speed bump at the incorrect speed, this could cause the bottom of your vehicle to hit the bump, resulting in damage to the axle. You may also experience axle damage if you get into a car accident, as the sudden front or rear impact could cause the axle to become misaligned.
Finally, it doesn’t necessarily take direct force to damage the axle. As they are made of metal, these axles are also susceptible to rusting. The underside of your vehicle regularly gets wet, such as when you drive through a puddle. Sometimes time and water are all it takes to rust out an important part of your vehicle, such as the axle, and cause problems.
What Does Car Axle Repair Include?
In many cases, car axle repair involves removing the old axle and installing a new one. Even a slightly bent axle typically needs to be replaced, as a bad axle can lead to further damage in the vehicle over time. Replacing an axle is a complicated process and not something you can do at home in your driveway. The cost of the axle repair will depend on several factors, such as whether it’s a front or rear axle and the severity of the problem.
In most car axle repairs, a knowledgeable technician will inspect your vehicle and determine the exact cause of the problem. If they determine that one or both of your axles need fixing, the technician will then provide you with an estimate of the costs, including replacement parts and labor. You can then decide what you want to do based on the condition of the vehicle and your financial situation. In some cases, insurance may help cover the costs of axle repairs.
Getting Car Axle Repairs in Youngstown
If you think that you might need repairs to your vehicle’s axle, and you’re in the Youngstown area, look no further than Cochran Chevrolet of Youngstown. Here you’ll find a full service station with experienced and knowledgeable technicians who can assess your situation and determine the best way to proceed. We’ve helped many people with their axle issues over the years, and we want to help you too.
To get started, you can schedule an appointment at our service station online. You can also contact us at any time if you’d like to schedule your appointment over the phone or ask us any questions. Finally, be sure to check out our latest service specials, as we regularly offer discounts on some of the more common maintenance jobs that you need for any vehicle. A problem with your axle isn’t something you can ignore, so let the team at Cochran Chevrolet assist you and get back on the road before long.
Image by Enis Yavuz is licensed with Unsplash License