How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Car Axle?

Vehicles are susceptible to wear and tear over time. Over the years, you will likely encounter various problems. Oil leaks, a moldy AC unit, or a faulty suspension are a few potential issues a driver can experience.

Because of that, it’s a good idea to equip yourself with the right information beforehand to diagnose issues as they arise. That is especially relevant for car axles, which play a vital role in your ride and must be replaced at the first sign of trouble. 

Axles: Their Function And Types

In essence, axles are steel rods that connect a pair of wheels and use the transmission's torque (rotational force) to get the wheels in motion. They act as a bridge between the tires and help propel your car forward. Axles are the reason your vehicle moves, so you can imagine just how crucial they are.

Depending on the car you have, there may be a varying number of axles installed. But standard vehicles, meant for casual driving, usually have just two or one for each pair of wheels.

Generally, there are two classes of axles based on function. The first ones are live axles, which help the vehicle move, and then there are dead axles that support the total weight of the ride but are not responsible for movement. 

But if you classify based on position, then the following axles can be distinguished:

• Front axle. It’s located in the front and can either be dead or live. This axle helps the wheels to move while managing any shocks from the terrain.

• Rear axle. Typically a live axle is responsible for propelling the auto forward. Depending on the vehicle at hand, it can be of three types: semi-floating, full floating, and three-quarter floating.

• Stub axle. These are found in automobiles with rear-wheel drive and are connected to the front axle with kingpins. The kingpins connect both the sub-axle and front axle. 

How Do I Know When To Replace The Axles?

The great thing about axles is that they are durable and thus incur damage only when extreme force has been applied. But if you start having problems, they do show common symptoms. These are:

• Car vibrations. If you went over an especially challenging pothole, unexpected curb, or other such objects, you might have caused your axle to get damaged. If you did, then you’ll experience vibrations along with a rumbling sound underneath the vehicle or even tire wobbling. These will be noticeable during accelerations, decelerations, or turns.

• Loud clanking, clicking, or clunking. The axle was damaged if you hear loud clanking or clunking as you put your vehicle into gear or the car struggles to get power to move.

• Grease leak. If there’s a puddle of grease underneath your auto or inside the tire edge, this is a sure sign of trouble. Even though the axle may not be damaged just yet, an insufficient amount of grease may cause further problems.

• Your vehicle doesn’t move. If your engine is revving, but the vehicle doesn’t move an inch, the axle joint was damaged, and you need to service the car.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace One?

Because there’s a lot to take in when dealing with axles, it’s best to leave the repairs to a qualified mechanic. What’s more, it’s even better not to drive to the auto shop and call a tow truck just in case something else happens with the vehicle. 

After some diagnosing, the mechanic will explain the problem and give you the price. Here, everything depends on what exactly happened. On average, replacing one is around $880, and $959 for an axle shaft. Repairing a front axle is about $550-$740, with the rear one approaching $480-$550. 

Luckily you won’t have to do this often, and the replacement should last you for a while. However, it’s highly advisable to service your car when you notice any of the symptoms.

Summary

Car axles are highly durable components and, as such, don’t break or get damaged easily. But if something goes wrong, try to look for any of the symptoms we mentioned. While not every single one means that the axle is entirely broken or bent, you should still try to visit an auto shop as soon as possible. One issue may kick off others and, thus, increase the overall repair costs significantly. 

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