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how much to repair a rear axle

by Micaela Emard Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Rear Axle Repair Costs
The cost of parts to repair an axle make up the majority of the cost and run from about $430 to $480 dollars. Labor on a rear axle repair is usually around $50 to $70.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to replace rear axle?

How much does it cost to replace rear axle? Rear Axle Repair Costs The cost of parts to repair an axle make up the majority of the cost and run from about $430 to $480 dollars. Labor on a rear axle repair is usually around $50 to $70.

How much would rear broken Axel cost to repair?

The rear axle is usually more expensive to repair or replace. It can cost anywhere from $450 to over $1,000 for the rear axle, but most people pay between $600 – $900. The cost for the rear axle will depend heavily on whether the vehicle is four wheel drive, front wheel drive, or rear wheel drive.

How can you rebuild a rear axle?

  • Common Axle Problems. To best diagnose an axle problem, it is always preferable to road test the vehicle before tearing it apart unless, of course, the part failed catastrophically and ...
  • Vehicle Preparation. As discussed previously, the only minor repair is an axle cover leak. ...
  • Axle Disassembly. ...
  • Cleaning and Inspection. ...

What should it cost to repair a rear axle seal?

What Affects The Price Of The Rear Main Seal Replacement Cost?

  • Labor Costs. Unfortunately, the labor costs must be applied to fix your vehicle. ...
  • Other Components To Be Replaced. When you replace a rear main seal, there might be other components of your vehicle that require replacing.
  • Damage To Additional Parts Due To Leaks. ...

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How much does it cost to repair a axle?

On average, you can expect it to cost between $880 and $959 to replace your car axle shaft, depending on the type of car you drive and which axle is broken. However, it's possible that you'll just need to repair your axle rather than replace it.

Can you drive with a broken rear axle?

If your axles are failing, you'll still technically be able to drive your car. This is very risky, though, as they could completely fail at any point. When your axle fails, it's possible that you'll lose control of the car, possibly causing an accident or crashing.

Can a broken rear axle be fixed?

Q : Is a broken axle repairable? In most cases, replacement is the best way to fix a bent or broken axle. Patching up an axle crack or break is too risky, as it can fail while you're driving.

Are axles expensive?

The cost to repair an axle runs between about $500 and $600 dollars before taxes and fees. Costs vary depending the type of vehicle, brand, make, and model. Labor costs vary from between about $50 dollars and $140 depending on how long the job takes for a model of vehicle.

How long does it take a mechanic to replace an axle?

between one and a half to three hoursReplacing a CV axle is a maintenance item that usually takes between one and a half to three hours to complete, depending on the vehicle and if other repairs are needed. A CV axle typically lasts for 70,000 to 130,000 miles, but the axles should be inspected for damage regularly.

What causes a rear axle to break?

Things that can break your vehicle's axle include poor maintenance; an auto accident; hitting curbs, potholes, or bumps too hard; and overloading your vehicle beyond its weight-bearing capacity.

How do I know if my rear axle is broken?

There are a few telltale signs of a broken or damaged axle.Loud clunking noises. ... Grease leaking from underneath the vehicle. ... Malfunctioning brakes or inability to accelerate. ... Vehicle tyre misalignment.

What does a broken axle feel like?

Shaft/axle wobble and vibration - When your vehicle has a bent or broken axle shaft, one of the clearest ways you'll notice is how at lower speeds the car might seem to wobble. At higher speeds (over 20 mph), the wobble may turn into what feels more like a general vibration.

Is a car drivable with a broken axle?

In some cases, you may still be able to drive on a broken axle, although we do not recommend it. Your wheels may rotate, but you may find yourself straining to get them to do so. If the axle is damaged or bent, you may find yourself pressing down much harder on your accelerator in an effort to get your vehicle going.

How long can you drive with a broken axle?

How long can you drive on a broken axle? Using bad CV axles, you can drive your vehicle for approximately five months. However, if you live in a dry, snowless environment free of dirt or rain, you might be able to drive your automobile for six months.

What happens if your rear axle breaks?

Once broken completely, your car won't move, and if they break while you're driving, it could cause a serious accident. It is recommended to have a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, diagnose your vehicle and assist you with an axle replacement if required.

What happens if you drive with a broken axle?

But what happens if your axle breaks while driving? The effect is immediate and dangerous since power is no longer being transferred from the engine to the tires. Controlling the steering of the vehicle will not be possible and you may find yourself stranded in the middle of the road.

What causes damage to the axle?

Potholes and Speed Bumps: One of the more common causes for damage to an axle is road hazards like potholes and speed bumps that you will hit before you realize how dangerous they are and there is very little you can do to handle the problem after the fact.

How much does it cost to fix a rear axle?

A rear axle can get up between $800 and $1,000 to repair. Since getting the new axle is such an unusual repair job for a driver to have, you can be forgiven if you don't really know that much about ...

How to know if your axle is bad?

However, when you sustain some axle damage then you'll notice some more serious shaking and vibration than you're used to. Vibrations will come through the steering wheel into your hands while you're driving, and you may also feel a shaking in your feet or in the seat as well if it's bad enough.

How long does it take to fix a car axle?

Your car has two axles, so we'll assume that only one of them needs to be replaced. The entire repair job will probably only take between 30 minutes and two hours depending on whether or not you need any additional repair work done besides the axle itself.

Can an axle break?

You think of things wearing down on your car like your oil filter, or your tires wearing thin, but you don't ever think that the axle that holds your wheels in place is going to break on you. And, to be honest, it is pretty rare for your axle to suffer so much damage ...

Do car axles last?

As far as durable parts of your car go, you should be able to expect that the axle will last the life of your vehicle. However, accidents and unexpected things do happen and that could very well lead to your axle being so badly damaged that you're going to need to swap it out with a new one.

Can a water filled pothole hurt your car?

That can throw your car off balance enough that your axle will actually hit the road with the entire weight of your car on top of it .

Why does my steering wheel need to be straight?

Your axle needs to be ruler straight to be working properly. When that axle shaft gets bent your two wheels on either end are no longer properly aligned. That means that while you are driving, even if you're keeping the steering wheel straight your vehicle is going to drift to one side or the other, or wobble.

How is power transferred from the engine to the wheels?

Power is transferred from the engine and torque from the transmission of your vehicle through the axle to drive the wheels . Depending on the kind of vehicle you have there are a number of components from driveshafts to transaxles that are a part of this whole system, including things like suspension as well.

Why do you need an axle?

These days, a functioning axle is necessary for brakes and steering to all be properly aligned with the wheels of your vehicle as well. The axle of your vehicle spins so that the wheels of your car can spin. Power is transferred from the engine and torque from the transmission of your vehicle through the axle to drive the wheels.

Why does my car's axle go bad?

Either you hit another vehicle or ran into something, or more commonly you run afoul of a serious speed bump or pothole, or maybe even some junk in the road. Because your axle is right above the ground, any sort of uneven surface could potentially lead to your axle getting damaged and bent.

What is an axle?

Your axles are some of the most basic parts in your entire car. You can strip down a vehicle to the bare bones of having some wheels and an engine, but the axles have to be there as well. You simply don't have a car if your axles don't work. That means when you need to get an axle repaired it's of vital importance. On average, the cost of getting an axle shaft replaced on a vehicle is somewhere between $500 and $950.

How much does it cost to replace an axle shaft?

On average, the cost of getting an axle shaft replaced on a vehicle is somewhere between $500 and $950.

How much does it cost to fix a front axle?

Front axles are often cheaper, and you might be able to get a front axle repaired for about $500 to $600. Rear axle repairs tend to cost more and can set you back in the neighbourhood of $800 to $1,000. It's hard to pinpoint a precise cost for an axle repair for a number of reasons.

How to tell if you have an axle problem?

You will likely first notice you have an axle problem when the ride feels bumpy, or the car feels sluggish. This is often the result of axles not wanting to turn and affecting the tire rotation. You may also see grease leaking out of the sides of the tires or hear grinding noises near the tires when you drive.

Why is my axle not working?

There are lots of reasons why your axle may not be working properly, and the most common one is that grease is leaking because the boots are torn.

What is the shaft of a car called?

Your car’s axle shaft may be called the half s haft or CV axle, and it connects the wheels and the transmission. They allow the wheels to rotate, so you can imagine the problems you might have once one of your axles goes out. Maybe it’s just a crack, or maybe it’s a full-blown break, but either way, it is serious business, ...

Do tires work better after an axle is fixed?

Once you have the axle repaired, your tires are going to work much better. There may have been some resistance before. Your entire car will run smoother, and the drive will be more pleasant, once you get this issue fixed.

Can you save money by repairing an axle?

If you know what you are doing , this can be a pretty simple repair, and you can save some money in the process. You may have to get a few parts and make sure you have a way to keep the car propped up safely while you work, but for amateur mechanics, repairing the axle can be a decent way to save money.

Signs And Symptoms Of A Bad Car Axle

There are several signs and symptoms that could suggest damage to a car’s axle. If your car has been subjected to strong physical forces, such as a crash (regardless of the severity), you should always check the axles.

CV Axles

The most common types of axles are constant velocity axles, known as CV axles for short. At the end of a CV axle, toward the wheel, you will find the CV joint.

Rear Axle Shaft

Most cars that are front-wheel drive use CV axles at the front. However, rear-wheel-drive cars use a differential in the back that is connected to a rear axle shaft, which in turn connects to the rear wheels.

Car Axle Replacement Cost

If it turns out that a car axle is bad, it should be replaced, not repaired. The cost depends primarily on the car model and what type of axle is affected.

Summary

An axle can refer to many things. Most commonly it refers either to a constant velocity axle, which is seen in front-wheel-drive cars, or a rear-wheel axle shaft, seen in rear-wheel-drive cars.

What Are Axles?

On your vehicle, an axle is a shaft or rod that turns the wheels and supports the weight of the entire vehicle. They are essential elements of all vehicles. As axles regulate the power that rotates the wheels, they are a necessity on vehicles for proper operation.

Signs Your Car Axle Needs Repair

Your car’s axles should ideally be smooth and quiet. A number of things could damage the axles in your vehicle. The most common reason would be some kind of damage due to impact or an accident. Either you ran into something or hit another car, or maybe you ran roughly over a series of potholes or speed bumps.

How Long Should a CV Axle Last?

Axles are typically covered by the powertrain warranty provided by the manufacturer, which should have you covered for at least 4 – 5 years as well as 50,000 – 60,000 miles. Now arises the question of whether the axle lasts past the warranty period. A handful of factors can influence its lifespan.

Cost of Axle Repair

We mentioned the different kinds of axles before. Costs of axle repair differ from rear to front. The average cost of repairing a front axle is about $550. You have to pay a bit more for rear axles; the average is $800. Axle repair costs depend on the make, model, and type of the vehicle.

How Much Will It Cost to Perform an Axle Repair at Home?

Good news for the DIY enthusiasts and savers! You can surely replace an axle at home but you have to be comfortable using a handful of power tools. Assuming you already have most of the required equipment set up at home, the axle repair cost comes down significantly. Most online outlets and part stores will sell you a brand new axle for under $100.

Axle Repair 101

Estimated time required: One to two hours, depending on your comfort and skill level

How You Can Replace Your CV Axle

The given process is a general guide on replacing an axle. Your automobile may be a little or drastically different because as stated multiple times before, changes exist between models and make. Refer to your owner’s manual to confirm you’re following the right steps.

Just how much does it cost to fix a broken axle?

Usually, the expenses to fix an axle will depend on the repair work needed, the vehicle you drive, the number of sides, which axle, and the mechanic you work with. If the whole axle on both sides needs to be changed, the expenses, typically, will be in the $300 to $1,000 range.

Fixing a broken axle

Before the mechanic even works on your automobile, they will first off try to make sure the axle is the culprit. Carrying out a test drive, they will pay attention to the CV joints, which are the parts that connect the axle and the wheel together, for any clicking sound, an indication the CV axles will have to be changed.

What are the additional expenses?

Some mechanics will add a wheel alignment with their quotes, however, others will not. If the mechanic does charge for an alignment, then you ought to be prepared to pay another $20 to $200, depending upon the vehicle you drive and the repair work being carried out.

Tips to keep in mind

If you believe that there has been damage done to your car’s axle, you should try putting it into gear. If you hear an unexpected thud, it might mean your vehicle’s axle is broken.

How can you save some money?

With any vehicle repair work, you should try to get as many quotes as possible. While you do not want to concentrate on the rate alone, pay attention to the mechanic’s history, credibility, and always make sure they are licensed and professional.

Why does my steering wheel vibrate?

Steering Wheel Vibrations. You may feel vibrations coming from the steering wheel. This is a sign of a bent axle or improper alignment. Vibrations are more likely to occur after hitting a big pothole or being in an accident.

What happens if your car's axle breaks?

If you're operating your car when the axle breaks, then you could lose control. This could result in an accident, injuring yourself or others. It's a lot easier and more affordable to fix a faulty axle than to deal with a collision. Fix your axle as soon as you notice a problem.

What happens if you spend $500 on insurance?

Additionally, if you cause an accident, then your insurance premiums increase. This forces you to spend more money every month for years. Small problems lead to bigger issues if not adequately addressed.

How much does it cost to fix a car axle?

Most drivers find they need to spend anywhere between $450 and $750 on this essential service.

Does insurance cover repairs to axles?

Even though insurance doesn't cover routine repairs, it may cover axle repairs if they broke from a covered item. Policies with comprehensive and collision coverage may pay for your axle repair if it broke due to an auto accident. Some policies even cover repairs from harsh weather.

How to tell if rear axle is headed south?

Noises are the most common sign that the rear axle is headed south. The gears and bearings in the axle system can create a symphony of whining and growling noises . Excessive clearance between the gears can also cause a clunking no ise that, in many cases, is most apparent when the vehicle is put into gear.

What is differential transmission?

Without a doubt, the differential transmission is the focal point of the axle. The differential contains a collection of gears and bearings that direct force to the axle, which, in turn, rotate your car’s wheels and tires. Unlike rear driving cars, the differential usually is a component of the transmission in front wheel drives.

Why does my car make a shuddering noise?

Shuddering or vibrating car. A failing differential may also cause a shuddering or vibration felt throughout the vehicle and that’s about as fun as it sounds. Failing differentials are definitely a part of your car that you need to replace. If you hear weird auto noise, it might be time for a replacement or repair.

What is the axle assembly?

You see, the axle assembly contains the bits and pieces needed to transfer rotational force to the drive wheels. Inside the rear unit, you’ll find the differential, the rear axle shafts, and a collection of axle bearings. A driveshaft, which runs the length of the vehicle, delivers torque from the engine to the axle system.

Can you replace an axle grenade?

If your axle grenades, your vehicle will be un drivable. So, yeah, you could say that an axle replacement or repair is pretty important. If you’re experiencing weird noises, shuddering or fluid leaks from your axle system, be sure to replace the axle issue before it’s too late.

Do most cars have rear axles?

These days, most cars are front-wheel drive, so they don’t have a rear axle that you need to worry about needing to replace. But, if you’re one of those lucky individuals who has a rear-wheel drive car, well, then you also have a rear axle assembly.

How to tell if rear diff is going out?

Vibrations While Accelerating. If rear-diff problems go untreated, it may damage other components of the drivetrain, like the universal joins. When these become worn, you may notice excessive vibrations (especially while accelerating). This is one of the earliest symptoms that suggest your diff is going out.

What does it mean when diff fluid is leaking?

If the diff fluid is leaking, there’s likely a worn seal that needs to be replaced. When this happens, you may notice a gray or brown liquid under the rear of your car.

What is a limited slip diff?

A limited-slip diff acts just like an open one, under normal conditions. However, where a limited-slip diff takes things a step further, is that it can limit the amount of power it sends should a wheel lose traction. Meanings it not only provides better stability but increases safety as well.

Why does my differential blow out?

Tire Damage. Since the differential helps keep your tires rotating at optimal speeds, if it’s not working, you may notice inside tire wear. This will most likely lead to a blowout eventually if the tire threads sustain too much damage.

How much does it cost to replace a rear differential?

How much does it cost to replace a rear differential entirely? Depending on the make and model of your car, as well as its condition, expect to spend between $1,500 to $4,000.

How long does it take to repair a rear diff cover?

To prevent them from leaking, you’ll have to have them replaced. Thankfully, this is an easy repair that shouldn’t take more than an hour.

What is an open differential?

Open Differential. This is the most basic type of diff, meaning it’s also the most affordable. It does allow the wheels to turn at different speeds, but it cannot limit power if one loses traction while the other doesn’t. This makes an open differential less than ideal on slippery roads.

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