Keeping your car’s axle in top condition ensures smooth and safe driving. But how often should you check your car’s axle? Usually, a comprehensive inspection every 10,000 to 15,000 miles does the trick. Frequent longer road trips or off-road driving can push that frequency even higher. This mileage-based guideline is echoed across various automobile manufacturers like Ford and Toyota, who recommend axle maintenance at similar intervals.
When talking about the axle, you’re dealing with a critical component that carries the entire weight of the vehicle, the passengers, and the cargo. Some axles are designed for specific vehicles; for instance, the rear-wheel-drive axles on a what is an axle on a car are different from those on a front-wheel-drive. The specifications matter. Axles must endure a high amount of torque, sometimes as high as 400 lb-ft, which is not a small feat. Regular checks can prevent issues that may arise from such extreme mechanical stress.
Feeling unusual vibrations when driving, especially when cornering or accelerating? It could be a sign of a worn-out axle. Normal driving conditions should not cause these vibrations. For example, I had a friend who drove a Jeep Wrangler and faced such issues. Upon inspection, it was clear the axle had suffered severe wear, which is typical when an off-road vehicle is driven extensively. A timely replacement saved further damage.
Another sign of axle trouble? Leaking grease around the wheels. Grease seals keep the lubrication inside the axle assembly, ensuring smooth rotation of the wheels. When seals fail, grease leaks out, reducing lubrication efficiency which could cost up to $300 to $600 to repair if the entire axle assembly is damaged. This leakage often precedes more severe problems like joint failure.
If you hear a loud clicking noise from the area surrounding the wheels while turning, that could spell trouble for the CV (Constant Velocity) joints in the axle. CV joints are known for their durability but can wear out after about 70,000 to 130,000 miles. This mileage varies based on driving conditions and habits. Replacement costs for CV joints range between $300 to $800, and ignoring it could lead to an entire axle replacement which can skyrocket expenses to $1,500 or more, depending on your vehicle’s make and model.
New noises and vibrations aside, routine visual checks can go a long way in axle maintenance. Look for worn-out boots and rust. My uncle, who happens to be a mechanic, often says, “Small issues become big problems if you ignore them.” This fix-it-before-it-fails approach can save a lot of money and time.
Don’t skip the professional inspections, as they involve more detailed checks like measuring the backlash of gears, which usually falls between 0.5mm to 1mm. Proper axle alignment also prevents tire wear and improves fuel efficiency. Misaligned axles increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency by about 10%. However, general maintenance, such as lubricating the joints, costs much less, roughly $50 to $100.
If you’re wondering whether DIY work on axles is advisable, the answer is yes and no. Basic inspections and lubrication can easily fall within a DIY enthusiast’s skill set. However, tasks like replacing CV joints or axle bearings require a professional’s expertise due to the complexity and the need for specific tools. For instance, bearing replacement often involves hydraulic presses to remove and install the bearings accurately.
The journey of car ownership involves diligence, especially concerning critical components like the axle. The time and cost involved in regular checks and maintenance pale compared to the inconvenience and expense of severe axle damage. Remember, regular axle maintenance not only safeguards your vehicle’s health but also ensures your safety on the road.