A COMPLEX PIECE OF EQUIPMENT

Drive axles are often seen as a straightforward, substantial thing. In reality, it’s a complicated piece of machinery composed of two half axles joined by universal joints to the differential. A drive axle has a number of crucial components. These components are:

• Axle
• Joints with Constant Velocity (CV)
• Shaft of the Drive
• A differential
• The Universal Joint
• Housing for the axle

WHAT THESE DRIVE AXLE PARTS DO

1. AXLE

The axle supports the weight of the automobile, its load, and its occupants. It must be able to endure the enormous forces produced by braking and driving. Additionally, the axle aids in steering and helps reduce shock when traveling on unpaved terrain.

2. CONSTANT VELOCITY (CV) JOINTS

The CV joints maintain the body’s equilibrium while enabling the wheels to move freely.

3. DRIVE SHAFT

Automobile driveshafts enable the transmission of torque and energy generated by the drive train to the wheels and other components of the vehicle. They allow the engine to drive the back axle in cars with rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

4. DIFFERENTIAL

The differential sends power to the wheels, directs engine power to the wheels, lowers the speed of rotation of the transmission before it reaches the wheels, and allows the wheels to revolve at various speeds.

5. UNIVERSAL JOINT

The driveshaft is assisted by the universal joint in moving the power coming from the gearbox to the differential.

6. AXLE HOUSING

The axle housing makes it feasible for the axle to function as effectively as possible while also protecting it.

DRIVE AXLE PROBLEM

The car cannot move correctly if the driving axle fails or is not working properly. Many individuals are concerned about driving safely when their car’s drive axle is malfunctioning. Most car experts concur that it is not. It is exceedingly risky to drive a car with a bad drive axle. When a drive axle malfunctions while a vehicle is being driven, it can result in significant injury to the passengers and expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to fix major damage to the car.

COMMON DRIVE AXLE PROBLEMS

A component of the drive axle that is particularly prone to a broad variety of issues is the constant velocity (CV) joint. Among the most typical ones are:

POOR LUBRICATION

To operate effectively, the axle joint that is part of the CV axle assembly has to be well lubricated. The drive axle has the flexibility it needs to bend and move depending on the road conditions when the joints are adequately lubricated. The driving axle is subjected to significant stress and friction when the CV joints are improperly lubricated. This raises the possibility that the drive axle may fail, rendering the car immobile.

WORN OUT BOOTS

There is a rubber boot covering the CV joints that are part of the axle assembly. This is frequently referred to as a drive axle boot. The boots shield the CV joints from damage, aid in keeping them lubricated, and stop dirt and other particles from entering inside and adhering to them. The boots usually only last a short time and can wear out if they are repeatedly subjected to friction and high levels of stress during normal operation. They can also split and need to be changed rather frequently.

WEIGHT OVERLOAD

The drive axles of automobiles, trucks, and SUVs are often built such that they can support thousands of pounds of weight under normal driving conditions. The typical car’s drive axle is designed to support a weight of roughly 850 pounds. The drive axles of heavy-duty pickup trucks are built to consistently support 6,000 to 12,000 pounds. If car owners consistently overload their vehicles, the drive axle will eventually fail. To avoid this, vehicle owners should be careful not to exceed the gross vehicle weight rating, which is specified in the owner’s handbook.

SYMPTOMS OF DRIVE AXLE TROUBLE

It’s critical for car owners to comprehend the typical problems drive axles run into. Recognizing the signs of a drive axle problem is crucial, though. If you discover that your car requires a drive axle repair, you should bring it to a shop right away. Pick a shop that has a qualified, licensed, experienced mechanic as well as the necessary tools and equipment to complete the task correctly. If auto owners fail to identify and promptly fix the signs of drive axle issues, severely negative outcomes may result. The following are some signs of a drive axle issue:

1. CLICKING SOUNDS

Most people have undoubtedly heard the drive axle of a car make a turning sound. One of the most typical signs that a vehicle’s drive axle is deteriorating is this. The drive axle’s CJ joints are usually worn out when the clicking occurs. Owners of automobiles should routinely get their CV joints examined. They should immediately take action after carefully determining if the sound is coming from the front or rear drive axle and which side of the vehicle it is coming from.

GREASE ON THE TIRE

An automobile’s drive axle has CV joints that are grease-lubricated and protected by rubber boots. The purpose of the rubber boots is to safeguard the joint and maintain the clean placement of the lubricating grease. The rubber boots are worn out, torn, or coming loose if you start to see grease dripping onto and around their tires. If the owner notices these symptoms, they should take their car to the mechanic right away.

VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING

The car will no longer be efficiently balanced while in motion if the CV joint or drive shaft is beginning to fail. When the car is moving, it has a tendency to vibrate, especially as the pace increases. The drive axle should be replaced rather than mended if an auto owner discovers that their car starts to vibrate often. They should take their car right away to an auto repair shop.

CONSEQUENCES OF DRIVING WITH DRIVE AXLE PROBLEMS ACCIDENTS, INJURIES, AND DEATH

Unfortunately, a lot of individuals keep on driving their cars even after they recognize they need to fix the drive axle. These persons increase the likelihood that a severe collision would occur, endangering both themselves and the nearby automobiles. Delaying drive axle maintenance while continuing to use the car can have disastrous results, including serious injury or even death.

MORE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS

The longer a person drives a car with a bad drive axle, the more expensive the repair will be. If caught in time, a damaged CV joint boot might cost $150 to replace. Driving with a damaged boot, however, can cause the CV joint’s lubricant to degrade and require replacement by allowing it to get contaminated, leak out, or both. This may cost between $900 and $1,200.

SEE AN AUTO MECHANIC IMMEDIATELY

If you discover that your car requires a drive axle repair, you should bring it to a shop right away. Pick a shop that has a qualified, licensed, experienced mechanic as well as the necessary tools and equipment to complete the task correctly.