Do you need to replace the axles on your car?
The axles often require replacement due to issues, such as torn boots and worn joints. There’s a good chance you’ll experience CV axle problems at some point during your driving career.
Should I replace my CV axle myself?
The axles often require replacement due to issues, such as torn boots and worn joints. There’s a good chance you’ll experience CV axle problems at some point during your driving career. The good news is, if you’re handy and have the proper tools, you can save a substantial amount of money by replacing a faulty CV axle yourself.
Are there any upside to aftermarket axles?
Otherwise, one upside of certain aftermarket axles is they are built in the more modern homokenetic style (pictured above). This design allows the axle to be unbolted from an input shaft which is permanently installed in the rear differential.
What are the parts of a CV axle?
Each CV axle has an inner and outer CV joint. The joints allow the CV axle shaft to move up and down as the vehicle travels over bumps. Also, the outer joints pivot to allow the front wheels to turn. Grease-filled boots cover the inner and outer joints.
How do I know what axle to buy?
If you bought a company-made trailer (as opposed to building one yourself from a kit) there should be a tag with the VIN, weight and capacities all there for you. You should find it on the driver's side of the trailer. A second way to determine the size axle you need is to measure the diameter of your existing axle.
Should you replace both axles at the same time?
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.
What is the best axle material?
Medium carbon alloys containing chromium, nickel, or molybdenum may be used to create axles and shafts that retain mechanical strength under immense stress. Parts manufactured for specific makes and models of vehicles are usually made from high-grade steel.
Are axles interchangeable?
Consequently, the two axles are not interchangeable and that applies to both automatic and manual transmission versions of this vehicle. If you are replacing these axles on your own be sure to replace the output shaft seals on the transmission.
How long should axles last?
The good news is that CV axles in most cars are covered by the powertrain warranty, which is typically 5 years or 60,000 miles. Check your warranty brochure for details. How long do CV axles last? In many cars, if the protective boots are not broken, CV axles can last for the lifetime of the car.
How long does it take to replace axle?
between one and a half to three hoursReplacing a CV axle is a maintenance item that usually takes between one and a half to three hours to complete, depending on the vehicle and if other repairs are needed. A CV axle typically lasts for 70,000 to 130,000 miles, but the axles should be inspected for damage regularly.
What steel is best for axles?
Axleshafts typically use medium-carbon steel. Carbon increases strength but makes the steel less ductile or flexible. Aftermarket alloy shafts often have a higher carbon content than OE shafts and also introduce other metals such as chromium, molybdenum, and nickel into the mix.
What steel are truck axles?
Axles are typically made from SAE grade 41xx steel or SAE grade 10xx steel. SAE grade 41xx steel is commonly known as "chrome-molybdenum steel" (or "chrome-moly") while SAE grade 10xx steel is known as "carbon steel".
What grade of steel are axles made of?
Original equipment automotive axles are typically manufactured from 1055 or 1541 steel. Typically, they're on the borderline between a medium and a high carbon steel with a relatively large manganese content. 1055 has a carbon content between 0.50%-0.60% while 1541 has between 0.36-0.44%.
How much is a CV joint?
The average CV joint replacement cost is between $150 and $850, depending on the car model and labor costs. The CV joint price is between $50 and 150$, while the labor cost of a CV Joint replacement is between $100 and $700. Several factors will affect the total cost if you need to get your vehicle's CV joint replaced.
How do you change a axle shaft seal?
To replace the seal, take the following steps:Jack up one side of your truck to take the weight off the wheel.Remove the wheel.Remove the axle shaft.Remove the hub retaining hardware.Slide off the hub and drum as a unit. ... Replace the seal behind the hub.Put everything back together in the reverse order of removal.More items...•
Are Subaru CV axles interchangeable?
try and match manual or automatic - they are interchangeable but the inner joint is of a different design.
Why do CV axles need to be replaced?
The axles often require replacement due to issues, such as torn boots and worn joints. There’s a good chance you’ll experience CV axle problems at some point during your driving career. The good news is, if you’re handy and have the proper tools, ...
How much does it cost to replace a CV axle?
You can save money by replacing the CV axle yourself if you have the tools and know-how. Most replacement CV axles cost somewhere between $75 and $200.
How to remove castle nut from steering knuckle?
Grip the circular (closed) end of the cotter pin with the pli ers. Then pull the pin out ward, while pushing the pliers against the steering knuckle to gain leverage. Use a ratchet or wrench to remove the castle nut from the ball joint. There are multiple ways to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
What is CV axle?
In a front-wheel drive layout, the CV axles connect the transaxle to the wheel hubs. Front-wheel drive cars—as well as many four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles—use a pair of CV axles to transfer power to the front drive wheels. In a front-wheel drive layout, the CV axles connect the transaxle to the wheel hubs.
How to separate a steering knuckle from a ball joint?
There are multiple ways to separate the two components: Strike the steering knuckle near the ball joint with a large hammer. The ball joint’s stud should eventually pop out if the knuckle is hit hard enough. You can also use a ball joint separator to separate the ball joint from the knuckle.
How to remove hub cap from a car?
Carefully use a screwdriver to remove the hub cap or center cap from the wheel. Use a breaker bar and socket to loosen the hub nut. Once you break the hub nut loose, you can use a ratchet and socket to remove it. Use a breaker bar to loosen the wheel lug nuts. Do not remove the nuts completely at this time.
What is grease filled boots?
Grease-filled boots cover the inner and outer joints. The procedure for replacing a CV axle will vary, depending on the year, make, and model of the vehicle. So, it’s important to consult the replacement instructions for your application in a repair manual or repair database.
Front Axle Repair Costs
Repairing or replacing a front axle is typically a little less expensive than doing the same work on a back axle. The front axle is responsible for steering the vehicle, and it also takes much of the shock from the wheels.
Rear Axle Repair Costs
The rear axle is usually more expensive to repair or replace. It can cost anywhere from $450 to over $1,000 for the rear axle, but most people pay between $600 – $900.
Signs and Symptoms of Axle Problems
If you had a collision, or even if you hit something like a curb or pothole really hard, it’s possible that you damaged one of your axles. If the axle becomes bent, it will need to be repaired or replaced to protect the vehicle’s integrity.
Cost For Professional Axle Repairs
A big factor in the cost to repair or replace an axle is where you take it to get the work done. Besides the cost for the parts, the labor charges may vary greatly from one shop to the next.
Other Repairs Related to Axle Problems
If you have to get your axle repaired or replaced, it’s possible that there are other issues with related components of your vehicle that may also need attention.
Will Your Insurance Pay to Replace Your Axle?
There are some instances where your car insurance might cover the cost to replace or repair your axle.
Replacing Your Axle At Home
You may be able to save some money by replacing your own axle, but you should have some experience working on cars and be comfortable using the various tools that you need for the job.
What is a Summers Brothers axle?
Features: Summers Brothers line of forged-steel axles for UTVs are manufactured to the same level of quality and strength as their axle lines for drag racing, oval track, and off-road cars. Their UTV axles are stronger than stock while still retaining the same spline as OEM. Axles are available in several lengths for different long travel kits in addition to stock length. When used with Summers Brothers CV joints ($100 each), these axles provide the reliability race teams depend on.
How much does a Gorilla axle cost?
All Gorilla axles come with a lifetime warranty. Price: $550, extended length; $575 each. Contact: https://gorilla-axle.com/.
What are gorilla axles made of?
Features: All Gorilla Axle components (CV housings, cages, races and bars) are made of American-made 4340 chromoly steel. All components are heat treated and cryogenically treated (dual-heat) to ensure absolute strength and durability. Oversized CV joint housings offer increased strength and are covered with puncture resistant heavy-duty neoprene boots that are durable in high and low temperatures. Lucas Oil’s Xtra HD high-temp grease keeps these axles running smoothly, even in the harshest riding conditions. Gorilla Axles can handle angles up to 37 degrees and are double plunging with up to 2.5 inches of plunge per axle. All Gorilla axles come with a lifetime warranty
What is aftermarket axle?
This design allows the axle to be unbolted from an input shaft which is permanently installed in the rear differential.
Can you gauge how long a used axle lasts?
Also, as is the nature of any used wear part, you will not be able to gauge how long the used part will last.
Can you take old axles out for core replacement?
If your old axles are badly damaged the rebuilder may not take them as a core replacement, meaning you're out that money. Even if they are eligible for cores, you'll be out the core charge for a while as you wait for it to get refunded. Additionally, as with any rebuilt part, quality varies greatly between rebuilders.
Can you rebuild a rubber boot axle?
The most common failure is that, with age, the rubber boots protecting the joints split. If caught early enough, before damage is done, the axles can be rebuilt. There are many suppliers that rebuild these axles, often available through your local auto parts store. Others are online only dealers.
Does Mercedes have axles?
While Mercedes-Benz no longer offers "Genuine" axles, you can still get brand new axles built just like they were back in the heyday of the W123 by purchasing them from the OEM manufacturer, a company called GKN.
