What happens to a car with a bent axle?

However, understand that you will probably feel a lot of vibration, and since the bend prevents the axle from turning smoothly, it will eventually cause damage to other components, such as the CV joint. Bent axle or damaged wheel: Often, the only sign of a bent axle is a wobble in one wheel.

When does an axle need to be replaced?

Severe bending: If the bend is severe (more than a quarter-inch or so), then you need to have your axle replaced immediately. A badly bent axle will quickly cause damage to CV joints, and it’s possible to damage your wheel hubs, bearings and other components. It can also damage the mounting flange where it attaches to the differential…

What happens if you hit a pothole with a bent axle?

They transmit power from the transmission or differential to the drive wheels. While they’re designed to be very strong and should last for a long time, they can be damaged. This can occur during an auto accident, running over a curb, or even hitting a particularly deep pothole at higher speeds. The result is a bent axle.

What does it cost to repair a bent front axle?

In most cases when you get a bent axle the only way to repair it, is to replace it. These costs include both the parts and labor but do not include fees and taxes associated with the state or county you live in. The cost to repair the front axle differs from the rear axle.

How are the wheels connected to the transaxle?

Your CV joint has failed. The wheels of your front-drive vehicle are connected to the transaxle via axles that have constant-velocity-type universal joints at each end. There is an inner and outer joint on the left and right axles.

Which is the right side of the axle to replace?

And it’s usually the right side that goes first because here in the lefthand-drive US of A, we turn sharper around righthand corners than lefthand ones. Sometimes the rubber boots covering the joints fail from age or are torn by road debris, letting the grease out and dirt and water in.

How much does it cost to repair a front axle?

On average, the cost of getting an axle shaft replaced on a vehicle is somewhere between $500 and $950. Because you have both a front axle and rear axle, it’s actually a little different depending on what needs to be done. Front axles are often cheaper, and you might be able to get a front axle repaired for about $500 to $600.

What happens if your rear wheel drive axle is bent?

A badly bent axle will quickly cause damage to CV joints, and it’s possible to damage your wheel hubs, bearings and other components. It can also damage the mounting flange where it attaches to the differential (in a rear-wheel drive vehicle), and possibly cause internal damage to the differential gearing.

What are the signs of a bent axle?

Bent axle or damaged wheel: Often, the only sign of a bent axle is a wobble in one wheel. If you sustained the damage during an accident or by hitting road debris, and it caused damage to the wheel, it’s possible that your wobble is from either a damaged wheel or a bent axle (or both).

How can I tell if my car has axle damage?

Vibrations can be caused by a number of vehicle problems but if you think you have axle damage there is a way you to check if the vibration is related. Drive the vehicle slowly down a street and see if you can feel odd vibrations or an uncommon rumbling sensation, especially as you accelerate or while cornering.

Where to go if you have an axle problem?

Waiting will only let the problem get worse. For professional axle repair in North Seattle bring your vehicle into North Seattle Transmission. We specialize in manual and automatic transmission repair but we service the entire system that gets power to the wheels, including axles.

What happens if the axle of a car is bent?

Axles that are bent badly will quickly damage CV joints and can cause damage to bearings, wheel hubs, and other powertrain components. If the axle is only bent slightly you can drive on it for a short time.

What does it mean when your steering wheel is bent?

If you feel vibration in the vehicle or especially the steering wheel it’s a good sign you’ve got a bent axle, wheel, or your alignment is off. Vibration might seem like a minor inconvenience but can lead to additional damage and more costly repair of your vehicle.

How can you tell if your axle is failing?

You may also feel like the steering wheel is more difficult to turn. You can check for visible signs of axle failure when you inspect the inside edge of your tires. Worn CV boots leak lubricant or grease there, and rotating axles force grease out even faster. You might even see splashed grease on the underside of your car.