Car axle repair

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.

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:

• No tyre rotation

• Clunking noises

• Wobbling wheels

• Excessive vibrations

• Misaligned brake pads

• Excessive or uneven tyre wear

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:

• Clicking sounds when turning

• Grease leaking around the joint

• Vibrations when you accelerate

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.