An axle shaft connects the wheels to the transmission in your car and may be called a half shaft or CV axle. A faulty axle can cause many problems, so you can imagine how bad it is once that happens.
Your car needs to have an excellent front axle assembly. Your front axle takes on much of the responsibility for moving those wheels, so if you enjoy revving your engine, waiting for the light to turn green, and then happily speeding off to your destination, you can thank it.
If it is functioning properly, you will not notice anything. As a result, you won’t even be aware that your front axle assembly exists, and you’ll just get where you’re going without any hiccups.
Despite this, having a front axle assembly replaced is not as common as you might think. Typically, axle assemblies do not require replacement, as they are highly durable. However, replacing the Honda Accord front axle assembly usually costs $300 to $1000.
Axle Repair Cost
Whatever the case, this needs to be addressed immediately, regardless of whether it’s just a crack or a full-blown break.
You may have to pay anywhere from $170 to $900 for the repairs. As the parts will vary widely in price, it depends primarily on what kind of car you have.
A few cars will cost more than $100 to fix, but most are between $100 and $200 to fix. The mechanic’s time to change your axle depends on the vehicle.
What Are CV Axles And How Do They Work?
CV axles are used in all front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. “CV” is short for constant velocity. In your car, you have a transmission and an engine. A car’s suspension cannot move the suspension parts mounted to the automobile’s body.
As well as the suspension and wheels on the car, which can move up and down to absorb bumps, the steering wheel on the front of the car has to be adjusted. There are two constant velocity joints at each end of a CV axle.
A transmission end mounts on the wheel hub, and a wheel hub end comes out of the transmission. While steering the car and moving the suspension up and down, these two joints keep the axle turning.
In a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the driver’s and passenger’s sides will have one each. The same applies to an AWD car but will have two additional drives at the rear.
Accordion-style rubber boots cover each CV joint, keeping dirt and water out and retaining grease. Unfortunately, these boots can rip due to mileage, the environment, and everyday wear and tear.
A ripped CV joint can become clogged with grease, dirt, and water when it escapes. In most cases, this results in the front of the car making a clicking noise when turning.
What Is Axle Repair?
It is often considered too risky to patch up a crack or break on an axle, so you will probably have to replace the entire axle. Faulty axles pose too much danger, and your mechanic will likely recommend that you replace them completely.
You may have problems with your axle for several reasons, and the most common one is grease leaking from torn boots.
A grease container is a container that helps lubricate the axle, and if it breaks, you can’t proceed. The same may happen if the CV joints are out of alignment or the shaft is broken or cracked.
In addition to the severity of the problem, how long and how much the axle repairs will cost will depend on how severe the problem is.
You might be able to get it fixed for a little money, or you might have to spend a lot of time and money on something that takes several hours to perform. But, again, this will have to be determined by the mechanic after assessing the axle shaft.
How Much Does A CV Axle/Shaft Assembly Replacement Cost?
Accord CV Axle / Shaft Assembly Replacement costs an average of $192, with parts costing $97 and labor costing $95 on average. You may find different prices depending on where you live.
Symptoms Of A Failing Front Axle Assembly
It is very important to have a good front axle assembly for moving your car. There is still a chance that the car will work if it isn’t completely broken. Does it really deserve to be replaced?
The best thing you can do to avoid being stranded is to get that front axle assembly replaced immediately if it breaks. Knowing the symptoms would help you in that regard.
Weird Sounds
You’re ready for the first lesson on Cars 101, aren’t you? There are one thing cars shouldn’t do: make weird noises. There’s nothing else to hear besides your engine’s purr and the music on your stereo. It’s a huge warning sign if anything else happens.
The front axle assembly can make a whining or growling sound if bad gears or bearings are inside it.
Leaks
Is it time for your second lesson? It is not a good sign when there are leaks. A faulty front axle assembly is just one of the many things in your car that can cause leaks.
Vibrations
You may have a bad front axle assembly when you notice abnormal vibration while cruising. While you might enjoy the strange massage it gives you; it is a warning sign that should be taken seriously.
An important tip: If you hear your car shaking, rattling, or vibrating, there might be a problem. The only time cars are supposed to do that is when they’re off-roading.
When To Replace Your CV Axles?
CV axles do not need to be changed at a set interval. However, they wear out over time, and you may not notice they have torn boots unless you have them inspected regularly by a mechanic.
- During highway travel, there is vibration.
- The ground around your car or inside your wheel appears to be covered with thick, black axle grease.
- As you turn the steering wheel while driving from the front, there is a clicking sound.
When Replacing CV Axles, Keep In Mind
A CV axle can seize a vehicle’s wheel-bearing hub in snowy climates or when road salt is used. If the CV axle needs to be replaced, additional parts or labor may be required.
It is often recommended to replace the entire axle, even if the CV joints or boots fail. If there is more than one axle shaft on your car, it will generally only need to be replaced once.
Is It Safe To Drive With A Worn-Out CV Axle?
It is possible to do so for a very short period. It is possible, however, for the CV to break over time, leaving you stranded.
Your engine and transmission only transmit power to the wheels through the CV axle. Therefore, maintaining a safe driving record is imperative.
Even so, you should speak to your mechanic immediately if there is a problem with your tire alignment. It is extremely dangerous to drive with a problem with your tire alignment. Tow your car to the shop if you have an uneven tire that needs to be repaired.
Benefits of Axle Repair
You’re going to be able to get better performance out of your tires once the axle is repaired. Perhaps there was some resistance before. Once this issue is resolved, your car will run more smoothly, and you will enjoy your drive more.
Furthermore, you will protect your tires and the entire car by lessening the strain on the wheel assembly. By fixing this issue, you’ll also have better tire control, so you’re less likely to get into an accident.
How To Save Money On Axle Repair?
This is a simple fix if you know what you are doing and could save money. For amateur mechanics, repairing the axle can be a reasonable way to save money. You may need a few parts and a way to prop the car up while you work, but it can be worth it.
Compare mechanics around you to save money if you do not feel confident making the repairs yourself. Make sure you pick a mechanic you can trust because if the repair job goes wrong, you can be left with many problems.
Final Words
It depends on the problem whether the axle or other components attached to it need to be repaired or replaced. Changing an axle that’s broken is a fairly complex job. Don’t cut corners to save a few dollars when making such an important repair. If you want it done right, you should put in the extra money.
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