If your ride feels unsteady while driving, your vehicle’s constant velocity (CV) axle is wearing out, making your car wobble.
The axle is a part of your car’s drivetrain that helps turn the wheels and keeps the car stable while driving. If it’s faulty, you should replace it to avoid losing complete control of the car.
Read on to understand the CV axle replacement process and its costs. We’ll also look at the symptoms and consequences of driving with a broken axle.
This Article Contains:
- What Signs Indicate You Need an Axle Replacement?
- How to Replace a CV Axle: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How Much Does an Axle Replacement Cost?
- 3 FAQs on Axles
What Signs Indicate You Need an Axle Replacement?
Here are some symptoms to verify whether your vehicle’s axle is failing:
- Popping or clicking sounds: If you hear a distinct click or popping sound while taking a sharp turn, it may be due to failing CV joints. A damaged CV axle can strain these joints and produce a clicking sound. If ignored, you may require a CV joint replacement.
- Abnormal vibrations: A broken axle can stress the driveshaft yokes (metal brackets that attach the drive shaft to the transmission) and universal joints, resulting in abnormal vibrations, especially during acceleration.
- Grease leaking onto the tire edges: A cracked CV boot (the rubber shield that protects the outer and inner CV joints) can leak grease onto the inside edges of the tire. If this happens, get a CV boot replacement and re-grease the joints. Otherwise, the CV axle assembly will be exposed to dirt and grime and wear out your vehicle’s axle faster.
Notice any of these symptoms in your vehicle?
Let’s see how to fix them.
How to Replace a CV Axle: A Step-by-Step Guide
A CV axle can be found underneath both a rear-wheel and a front-wheel drive vehicle, making it vulnerable to damage from uneven surfaces and corrosion. Once it’s physically damaged, it can only be replaced.
An axle replacement includes a thorough check of driveshaft components like CV boots, universal joints, and driveshaft yokes, which can be overwhelming for a beginner. So, it’s always best to consult a mechanic for a CV axle replacement service.
Here’s how they’ll go about replacing the axle:
Step 1: Prep for Replacement
The mechanic will park your car and engage its parking brake. Then, using a jack, they’ll raise your vehicle and secure it with jack stands. They’ll also verify whether the replacement axle is compatible with your car.
Step 2: Unscrew the Nuts of the Wheel Assembly
Next, the mechanic will remove the wheel’s center cap, hub nuts, and lug nuts to remove the wheel assembly.
Step 3: Detach the Ball Joint
Using pliers, they’ll remove the cotter pin (a U-shaped fastener securing the axle nut) and unscrew the axle nut. They’ll use a hammer or a ball joint separator to detach the steering knuckle and the ball joint.
Step 4: Remove the Outer End of the Axle Shaft
The mechanic will use the hammer to remove the axle’s outer end (including the outer CV joint and boot) from the wheel hub.
Step 5: Detach the Inner End to Remove the Axle
Using a pry bar, they’ll separate the inner end of the axle shaft (including the inner CV joint and boot) from the transaxle’s groove (an assembly comprising of the transmission, differential, and other axle-related systems).
They’ll twist the shaft so the retaining clips pop free, allowing the old axle shaft to slide out.
Note: Damage to parts like the boots, driveshaft yokes, and outer or inner CV joints can harm the car’s transmission. So, during the CV axle replacement service, the mechanic might also inspect your transmission.
Step 6: Install the New Axle Shaft
They’ll install the new axle by sliding the inner and outer CV joint ends into their respective grooves and twisting them until they’re fixed. Then, they’ll refix the ball joint into the steering knuckle.
Step 7: Screw the Bolts in Reverse Order
Next, they’ll use a torque wrench to secure the axle nut and hub nuts. The mechanic will reattach the cotter pin, refix the lug nuts, and reinstall your car’s wheel assembly as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
Step 8: Lower the Vehicle
Finally, they’ll remove the jack stands and reinsert the wheel’s center cap.
Note: An axle issue can also affect tire health even if you follow the best tire care tips or shop from reputed tire brands. So, while getting an axle repair, ask the mechanic to check for uneven tread wear and unaligned wheels.
Wondering how much it’ll set you back?
Let’s find out.
How Much Does an Axle Replacement Cost?
The average cost of replacing a vehicle’s axle ranges between $300 and $1,500. It can take 2 to 3 hours to replace one axle.
This includes:
- Cost of labor: $170 and $180
- Cost of parts: $100 to $1,000
However, the costs may vary depending on your car’s model and the auto repair shop you visit.
Want to know more about car axles?
We’ve got you covered.
3 FAQs on Axles
Here are some commonly asked questions about CV axle assembly that you should know:
1. What Are the Different Types of Car Axles?
A few variants of rear and front-wheel drive axles are:
- Rear Axle: This axle powers the driving wheels. It comprises two half shafts, which are connected to the differential. A rear axle is crucial as it rotates with the car’s wheels while you’re driving.
- Front Axle: This axle is located in the front of your car. It helps with steering and handling the shocks while driving over uneven surfaces.
- Stub Axle: This is a stationary axle found on the front suspension of vehicles equipped with independent suspension systems. It supports the wheels but doesn’t transmit power or torque.
2. How Long Does a Car Axle Last?
A vehicle’s axle can last between 70,000 to 130,000 miles. But, its lifespan can vary depending on its use, service history, and your car model.
To prolong the lifespan of your vehicle’s CV axle assembly and increase passenger comfort, follow manufacturer-recommended car care tips and conduct a regular CV axle inspection.
But, if your car’s drive axle is faulty, schedule a repair ASAP because leaving it unchecked may require additional repairs such as yoke replacement or u-joint replacement.
3. What Are the Consequences of Driving with Bad CV Axles?
Driving with a damaged CV axle can result in:
- Vehicle skidding
- Deterioration of driveshaft components
- Unaligned wheels or complete wheel detachment
- Premature brake wear and uneven tread wear
- Irreparable transmission damage
Note: You should get regular axle repair and inspections to avoid spending on u-joint replacement, CV joint repair, and brake repair.
Rectify CV Axle Problems with AutoNation Mobile Service
A CV axle issue can dampen passenger comfort and increase the risk of accidents. If you notice problems with your wheel drive axles (front or rear), visit a mechanic for CV axle replacement services.
And if driving to a repair shop sounds dangerous, schedule a repair with AutoNation Mobile Service. Our mechanics will perform the CV axle inspection and axle replacement right in your driveway.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution offering online bookings and a 12-month | 12,000-mile on all services, including a yoke replacement and driveshaft repair.
Contact us for axle-related problems or for other automotive needs like brake repair or fleet services.