Wondering what are Signs of a Bad Axle?

There are some different signs of a bad axle, all of which are fairly obvious as it significantly impacts how your car handles while driving down the road.  You may be worried how it affects the car struts and shocks.  

Are you wondering what are signs of a bad axle?  Here are the most common signs:

• Wobble and Vibration While Driving – Excessive vibration after hitting a deep pothole, running over a curb, or other objects in the road, causing unusual rumbling noise underside the vehicle, tire wobbling, sluggish driving, could be an indicator of a damaged axle. Vibrations may be particularly noticeable while accelerating, slowing down, or turning.  If the axle is damaged enough to cause vibrating, it usually wants to be replaced.
• Loud Clunking or Clanking – If you hear loud clunking as you put your vehicle into gear or if your vehicle struggles for power as it starts to move, there may be axle damage.  Adequate power from the transmission cannot be transferred to the wheels due to slack in the joints. A loud clunking noise can also be an indicator of transmission failure, so be sure to have it checked out.
• Leaking Grease – Leaking grease underside the vehicle or on the inside tire edge can mean a leaking axle boot or CV boot. A leaking axle boot does not necessarily mean that the axle has been damaged, but a lack of grease can cause future issues.  If dirt gets through a broken joint cover, it can cause failure to the axle. Axle boots and boot clamps are easily visible underside a vehicle and should be checked regularly. 
• Brakes – If a bent axle makes the wheels wobble, it can lead to brake failure due to the brake pads becoming misaligned with the wheels.

Of course, if the axle is completely broken, you will go now here.  The engine may be running, but your car can’t move without the transfer of power from the transmission.  Axles are as vital to a correctly functioning and safe vehicle as much as the engine, steering, car struts, and tires. 

Do you want to know what are signs of a bad axle? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about car axles, car struts, brakes, and more, and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.