Car axle repair

Compare front and rear axle replacement prices and find a broken axle repair specialist near you

Axle repairs

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What is a car axle?

It doesn't matter how big your car is or how it's powered - all vehicles need axles. But what is an axle, and what does it do? The answer is simple: it's a rod or shaft that supports your vehicle's weight and turns the wheels.  

Most cars have two axles, while larger vehicles often have more. There are also different types:

  • Front axle - located at the front of the vehicle, this axle assists with steering and handles shocks from bumps in the road. It has four main parts: the beam, track rod, swivel pin and stub axle. It also delivers power to the wheels in front-wheel drive cars.

  • Rear axle - connects the rear wheels and provides support.

  • Stub axle - connected to the non-driven wheels.


How much does an axle repair cost?

The average price of an axle repair on FixMyCar is £195.96. The amount you pay is affected by the type of axle that needs fixing and the extent of the damage.

The table below shows how average prices vary between manufacturers.

Car MakeAverage Price
Audi£166.50
BMW£274.67
Ford£343.65
Honda£192.37
Mercedes£284.77
MINI£145.90
Nissan£245.22
Peugeot£195.19
SEAT£249.99
Vauxhall£108.90
Volkswagen£143.69
Volvo£385.67

Common axle problems

Axle problems are rare and mainly happen after a collision. They can also be caused by driving over deep potholes, hitting kerbs, lack of maintenance (especially of suspension components) and overloading your car.

The main issues you could face are:

  • Bent axle

  • Snapped axle

  • Rusty or weak axle


Signs that you need an axle repair

It's usually easy to tell when your car’s axle needs fixing. Here are the signs to look for:


Which axle repair do you need?

When you book an axle repair, the mechanic will inspect your car to find out which part of the axle and its related components need attention. Let’s take a closer look at a few different types of axle repair.

Axle shaft replacement

Axle shafts transmit power from the engine to the wheels. They experience significant strain, especially in high-mileage vehicles or those with a heavy load. When your axle shaft is damaged, you’ll likely notice excessive vibrations, difficulty steering and clunking noises.

CV joint replacement

Constant velocity (CV) joints are just as important as the axle itself because they allow it to flex while delivering power to the wheels. As a result, you get a much smoother drive. 

The following symptoms often accompany a failing CV joint:

Differential repair

The differential makes sure that power is distributed evenly to each wheel. Bearings, gears and seals in the differential can eventually wear out, stopping it from working correctly. Common symptoms include grinding and whining noises, difficulty steering and uneven tyre wear.

As you may have noticed, the above problems all have similar symptoms, which makes it difficult to reach an accurate diagnosis without expert knowledge. Fortunately, you don’t need to worry about the type of axle repair you need - this is something a mechanic can help you with.


Is an axle repair necessary?

Repairing a damaged axle isn’t something you should put off. If it breaks completely, your car will lose all stability, and you won’t be able to control it. It’s never nice having to pay for car repairs, but you can’t put a price on safety.


Tips for booking an axle repair

  • If you’re worried your car is unsafe to drive, try finding a garage with a tow-in service.

  • Some mobile mechanics offer axle repair services, which is convenient if you don’t have time to take your car to a traditional garage.

  • You don’t need to know the exact problem with your axle when you make a booking; a mechanic will investigate this for you.

  • You could book a car diagnostic instead if you’re unsure whether the fault is with your axle or another component.

Read this guide for more advice on how to feel confident about car repairs.

Find axle repair specialists near you

Most garages offer axle repair services - you don’t need to find a specialist. However, getting a high-quality repair by a reputable mechanic is vital because the axle plays such a big role in the overall safety of your car. 

Whether you’d prefer to take your car to a traditional garage or have a mobile mechanic come to you, FixMyCar can help you compare different options based on price, location and reviews.

Related services

  • Mobile mechanic

    The average price of a mobile mechanic booked on FixMyCar is £81.64.

    A mobile mechanic will visit you at your home or workplace and can carry out a range of repairs.

    Can include
    • Home visit
    • Servicing
    • Tyre change
    • Oil change
    • Recommended repairs
  • Car diagnostic test

    The average price of a car diagnostic booked on FixMyCar is £51.66. Car diagnostic testing involves using special software to detect issues with your car's engine, electrical system, transmission, braking, exhaust system and more.

    Can include
    • Full diagnostic testing
    • Recommended repairs
  • CV shaft replacement

    The average price of a CV shaft replacement on FixMyCar is £217.39.

    Can include
    • Recommended repairs
    • Diagnosis

What is an axle for?

The purpose of an axle is to turn the wheels using power from the engine. It also supports the vehicle’s weight, giving added stability.

What is a CV axle?

A CV axle is an axle that uses constant velocity (CV) joints. These joints are found at the end(s) of the axle shaft and are designed to be flexible to ensure power is delivered to the wheels at a constant speed. They provide a range of motion that protects the axle from breaking when the car turns or hits a bump in the road.

What does a bad axle sound like?

Clicking and clunking sounds are common with axle problems. 

Is an axle repair covered by insurance?

Your insurance will only cover the cost of an axle repair if the problem exists because of an accident. The general wear and tear of parts isn’t covered by car insurance.

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