Signs Your Car Axle Needs Repairing
In a car’s anatomy axle is a central element that rotates to move the car. Axles receive energy directly from the engine and torque from the transmission which rotates it. Therefore, signs of a bad axle of a car are easily noticeable while driving. The malfunctioning of the axle caused by any reason can create significant hurdles in car movement.
Here we have listed some symptoms that notify car axle repair.
Car Axle Repair Symptoms
The axle is a shaft responsible for rotating tyres and balancing the vehicle. It regulates the power received from an engine. It is combined with the central external frame of a car therefore, it is prone to more damages. The broken car axle damage intensity varied, it can be just a crack or a complete bend.
See the following symptoms which notify you of car axle repair.
Leaking Grease
The leaking grease problem indicates that your axle needs repairing. Extra grease seeping from the side wheel or inside tyre side represents a leaking axle boot. Although a grease leak does not represent any serious problem, it is an alarming sound. The leaking grease can accumulate dirt and debris which reduces axle functionality. Moreover, if the leakage reaches the tyre it can impact the efficiency of disc brakes.
Extra Vibrations
Unusual or excessive vibrations can also result due to bent car axles. These vibrations can be noticed especially when the vehicle crosses a speed hump, speed hump or unexpected potholes. These vibrations are accompanied by rumbling noises, tyre wobbling and even shaking steering wheels during turning, accelerating or decelerating. You can drive slowly in this condition but will require professional assistance as soon as possible to fix the axle.
Loud Sounds
It is not always the bent car axle, sometimes the joint gets worn out or breaks due to rusting and cause car sounds. It is observed when you face difficulty in putting your car into gear. Moreover, you can also face difficulty in simply turning your car. You will have a loud clicking or clunking sound while turning your car.
Mobility Issues
Mobility issues usually occur in extreme conditions when the axle of a car is broken or damaged badly. This symptom is generally observed when you start your engine, shift the gear and there is no motion at all in the vehicle. If this is the case, neither your car will move nor will your tyres will rotate properly. You may have to safely tow the car to the garage and replace the axle.
What Leads to Axle Repair
Axles are a vital part of car structure, they are durable and strong. However, they are located underneath and can be susceptible to damage because of multiple reasons. Many things can cause car axle problems, some of which are listed below.
- Speed Bumps and Speed Humps: These are built to stop the vehicle or slow it down at a specific point. If your car is lower, these bumps can directly hit your vehicle and damage the axle.
- Accidents: Any direct hit from the rear or front side of the car can negatively impact the axle. Though the hit is not direct, pressure is created which can damage the axles.
- Rusting: Rust or worn-out metal can cause serious damage to the durability and pressure-bearing ability of the axles.
- Constant Velocity Joint: These joints connect the drive shaft with the transmission of the car. Torque transfer takes place through this point which makes it more vulnerable to damage.
Cost of Axle Repair
Axles are durable and prepared to serve for a longer period of time. It depends upon the car manufacturer and your driving habits, but it can run smoothly for 4 to 5 years. You can check your car’s manual to know the actual life span of the axle. The starting cost of a new axle is around AED 245, depending on the make and model. Whereas the repair cost of the axle starts from AED 180 depending upon the intensity of damage and car manufacturer.
This was all about the symptoms that indicate you might need car axle repair. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is better to consult an expert. To avoid the complexities generated by manual axles, E-axles are introduced which are simpler and work more efficiently.
A lot of modern vehicles have this feature. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE, equipped with E-axle.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on axles.