How do you know if your car axle is bad?
A failed axle sounds catastrophic. But it's something that can happen to any well-used or accident-damaged car.
So, how do you know if your car axle is bad? Fortunately, there are a few things to look for that can tell you if you need to replace your axle.
Trouble Moving
There are different types of axles, but they have something in common. If they're failing, you'll have trouble smoothly moving the car forward or backward. That's because it's the axle's job to transfer power from the transmission to the wheels.
Clunky Noise
But how do you know if your car axle is bad when your car is still usable? When you're driving, you may hear a clunk-clunk sound that's clearly not coming from the engine.
Grease Leaks
Most modern cars rely on CV (constant velocity) axles. The CV axle is flexible thanks to its mechanical joints. To remain flexible those joints require lubrication.
When the CV axle assembly is built at the manufacturer's facility, the joints are encased in a rubber boot containing a lubricant. The CV axle can remain trouble-free for many years as long as its boot remains intact.
However, if the boot develops a crack, the lubricant can leak out. In time, the joint dries and no longer operates smoothly. The result is you may notice grease appearing on the backside of your tire.
Vibration
You may also experience vibration when driving. The sensation will be strongest on the side with the failing CV axle but can be felt throughout the car. The vibration will be strong enough that you will not be able to ignore it.
Clicking Noise
Sometimes drivers hear a clicking noise when they make sharp turns. This too is an indication that the CV joint is lacking lubrication.
You're hearing the ball bearings inside the assembly moving in their metal channels. They're moving in and out of the indentations they've naturally worn in the metal over the years.
The movement of the ball bearings is normal. They're performing as designed. And if the boot were intact and retaining lubricant, the balls would move smoothly and noiselessly.
How Failed Axles Affect Car Struts and Shocks?
When axles begin going bad, they impact other parts. For example, car struts and shocks begin to work harder.
Struts and shocks are responsible for stabilizing a car. They help absorb the force of going over rough surfaces such as railroad tracks.
So, when a bad axle makes the ride rougher, struts and shocks must work overtime. That extra work shortens the lifespan of the parts.
Need to know more about how do you know if your car axle is bad? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Cannon Auto Repair for more information about car struts and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding area.
A failed axle sounds catastrophic. But it's something that can happen to any well-used or accident-damaged car.
So, how do you know if your car axle is bad? Fortunately, there are a few things to look for that can tell you if you need to replace your axle.
Trouble Moving
There are different types of axles, but they have something in common. If they're failing, you'll have trouble smoothly moving the car forward or backward. That's because it's the axle's job to transfer power from the transmission to the wheels.
Clunky Noise
But how do you know if your car axle is bad when your car is still usable? When you're driving, you may hear a clunk-clunk sound that's clearly not coming from the engine.
Grease Leaks
Most modern cars rely on CV (constant velocity) axles. The CV axle is flexible thanks to its mechanical joints. To remain flexible those joints require lubrication.
When the CV axle assembly is built at the manufacturer's facility, the joints are encased in a rubber boot containing a lubricant. The CV axle can remain trouble-free for many years as long as its boot remains intact.
However, if the boot develops a crack, the lubricant can leak out. In time, the joint dries and no longer operates smoothly. The result is you may notice grease appearing on the backside of your tire.
Vibration
You may also experience vibration when driving. The sensation will be strongest on the side with the failing CV axle but can be felt throughout the car. The vibration will be strong enough that you will not be able to ignore it.
Clicking Noise
Sometimes drivers hear a clicking noise when they make sharp turns. This too is an indication that the CV joint is lacking lubrication.
You're hearing the ball bearings inside the assembly moving in their metal channels. They're moving in and out of the indentations they've naturally worn in the metal over the years.
The movement of the ball bearings is normal. They're performing as designed. And if the boot were intact and retaining lubricant, the balls would move smoothly and noiselessly.
How Failed Axles Affect Car Struts and Shocks?
When axles begin going bad, they impact other parts. For example, car struts and shocks begin to work harder.
Struts and shocks are responsible for stabilizing a car. They help absorb the force of going over rough surfaces such as railroad tracks.
So, when a bad axle makes the ride rougher, struts and shocks must work overtime. That extra work shortens the lifespan of the parts.
Need to know more about how do you know if your car axle is bad? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Cannon Auto Repair for more information about car struts and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding area.
