Your car’s axles keep your vehicle running, yet they often go unnoticed—until something goes wrong. Axles connect the wheels to the transmission and enable power from the engine to turn the wheels. Without properly functioning axles, your car won’t be going anywhere. But how can you tell if your car’s axles are worn out or damaged? We'll share some common signs and symptoms to watch out for before you end up with a costly breakdown.
Strange Noises When Turning or Accelerating
One of the most noticeable signs of worn-out axles is unusual noises, especially when turning or accelerating. If you hear clicking, popping, or clunking sounds, it’s often a sign that your car’s constant velocity (CV) joints or axles are damaged. These sounds are particularly noticeable during sharp turns, as the CV joints are under increased pressure.
Clicking noises are usually an indicator of CV joint issues, which are part of the axle assembly. This could mean that the boot protecting the joint is torn, allowing dirt and moisture to seep in, leading to wear and damage. While these sounds may start off as subtle, they will worsen over time if left unaddressed.
Vibrations While Driving
Feeling unusual vibrations when driving is another telltale sign that something’s wrong with your axles. If your car’s axles are damaged or misaligned, you’ll likely experience vibrations through the steering wheel or floor, especially when accelerating. These vibrations are caused by uneven distribution of power to the wheels due to a faulty axle.
In some cases, the vibrations can become severe enough to make driving uncomfortable or even dangerous. Ignoring these vibrations could lead to more extensive damage not only to the axles but also to other parts of the drivetrain. If you notice persistent shaking, it’s a good idea to get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible.
Grease Leaks Near the Tires
A more visual clue of axle trouble is grease leaking near your car’s tires. When the protective CV boot gets damaged or torn, it allows grease to escape. This grease is essential for keeping the CV joints lubricated and functioning properly. Without it, the joints can wear out quickly, leading to axle failure.
If you see dark grease around the inside edge of your tires or on the ground near the wheel wells, it’s time to inspect the CV boots and axles. Grease leakage is often one of the earlier signs of axle trouble and should be addressed before it leads to more serious damage.
Trouble Steering or Loss of Control
Steering issues can also be linked to failing axles. If you notice that your car is pulling to one side or you’re experiencing difficulty controlling the vehicle, particularly during turns, the axles could be the culprit. Damaged axles can affect the distribution of power between the wheels, making it harder to steer or causing the vehicle to feel unbalanced.
Losing control of your vehicle due to axle problems is not something to take lightly. A weakened axle can eventually snap, leading to a complete loss of power to the wheels and rendering your car immobile.
What to Do If You Suspect Worn-Out Axles
If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s essential to have your vehicle inspected by a professional. Ignoring axle issues will only lead to further damage, potentially affecting other critical components of your vehicle. While some minor axle problems can be repaired, more severe cases may require axle replacement.
Maintaining your axles is key to ensuring the longevity of your vehicle. Routine inspections and paying attention to early warning signs can save you from costly repairs and keep your car running smoothly. Remember, addressing the problem early can prevent more significant damage to other parts of the drivetrain.
Experiencing strange vibrations or noises from your car? It could be your axles. Schedule an inspection with
Eagle Transmission & Auto Repair and ensure your vehicle stays in top shape!
