Is it best to replace both axles?
On a high-mileage vehicle with a bad CV joint or boot, it’s often a good idea to replace both shafts at the same time. Often, the right (passenger side) shaft fails first because right turns are at a sharper angle than left turns, and right turns are more common than left turns.
Can you save money by repairing your axle?
You may have to get a few parts and make sure you have a way to keep the car propped up safely while you work, but for amateur mechanics, repairing the axle can be a decent way to save money. For those who don’t feel confident making the repairs themselves, they can save money by comparing between the various mechanics around them.
How much does it cost to change an axle on a car?
It depends primarily on the kind of car you have, as the parts will range in price quite a bit. Labor costs are typically between $100 and $200, but a few cars will cost more. It just depends on how long the mechanic has to work to change out your axle.
Can a remanufactured front drive axle be replaced?
You can save some money by buying a remanufactured axle, which will be virtually as good as new. The refurbishing process involves regrinding all the grooves in the inner and outer halves of the joint to a standard oversize, and replacing the cage and ball bearings with new oversize ones.
How are the wheels connected to the axle?
In a front-wheel drive car, the axles are connected to the wheels with Constant Velocity (CV) joints. These allow the axle and wheel to flex as the car drives (to account for turns, uneven surfaces, and more).
Is it cost effective to repair a drive axle?
Repairing boots or joints on a drive axle is usually not cost effective because a replacement axle can be purchased and installed for less than paying a mechanic to remove, repair, and reinstall the existing axle. Remember, CV drive axles have two joints, each with a rubber boot.
How much does it cost to replace a CV axle?
Most CV axles are around $100 each, but you can save money buying them in pairs. Replacing them is fairly straightforward as well; they’re easily accessible from under the vehicle.
What’s the best way to change an axle?
By this time, you can put the wheel back on the vehicle (again, the same as you would when changing a tire). After the wheel is on, you can lower the car off the jack and jack stands. Tighten the axle nut. Finally, you can retighten the axle nut once the vehicle is back on the ground.
What happens when your front drive axle fails?
One afternoon, just as you pull out of the parking lot, there’s a loud banging noise and a series of crunches. Then all forward thrust drops off, punctuated by vibration and the occasional ping of tortured metal. Your CV joint has failed.