When it comes to driving, many people are curious about the question, “Can you drive with a broken axle?” Well, no one wants to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without help when cars break down.
Sometimes, there might be someone nearby who could help you out. For instance, you can get lucky enough to run into a nearby garage and make them check your car. So what does this mean? Can you drive with your car’s axle busted?
The answer is yes, but for how long? We will discuss that and much more in this article, so let’s begin!
Can You Drive With A Broken Axle?
Driving with a faulty car axle can cause damage to other parts of the vehicle. For example, a busted axle can damage the tires and other components. It also wears off a lot of your tires in just one day. Driving with a broken axle might put your life at risk because it could fall out anytime, causing accidents or getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Moreover, driving with a busted axle for some time can be dangerous, primarily if an experienced driver does not handle it correctly. The tire may come off from the rim, which could cause accidents involving pedestrians and other vehicles.
The bad thing about driving with a broken axle is that it will eventually cause other damages to the car’s suspension, the engine, and other components on the wheels. Things can worsen if you drive on an expressway with lots of vehicles. There is a strong possibility of getting into an accident because your axle may be stuck on the road.
You can prevent other damages from happening if you bring your car to the nearest garage as soon as possible, especially when it breaks down because of a broken axle. Broken axle damage is easy to fix, and significant auto shops offer quality and affordable services.
What Are Axles?
An axle is a cylinder-shaped part that rotates and is attached to bearings on the sides of wheel hubs. Plus, it has a flange on one end that attaches to the wheel. There are some exceptions, but this is how they work.
Axles and wheels transfer power and motion from your engine/transmission to the ground. They are an essential part of your car or truck, so automotive axles should get replaced if they break.
Axles move because a shaft protrudes from the transmission connecting to another shaft going through the center of the wheels. The drive shafts turn a differential attached to each axle that rotates the wheels.
Axles can be found on the front or rear of your car or truck, depending on if they are part of the drivetrain (front axles) or suspension system (rear axles).
Where Is The Axle On A Car?
An axle is a rod that connects a wheel on one end of the car with the gearbox on the other. In this way, it creates a path for turning the wheels and allows for steering and forward motion of the vehicle. Car axles are vital because they transfer power from the engine to the wheels, allowing them to move while stabilizing your car’s weight distribution.
The axle is in the center of the wheel (measured from the outside edge of the tire). The axle makes up a significant portion of a car’s suspension system; it allows wheels to rotate while supporting their weight and allowing it to turn corners. Without an axle, there would be no way to get power to the wheels.
A car’s axle usually has two separate parts. The inner part is the “axle beam,” connecting to the vehicle’s differential and suspension system.
You’ll find a second piece at each end that goes through the center of each wheel hub and contains the wheel bearing at each end. It is called a “half-shaft.” The half-shaft then connects to the wheel’s driveshaft, which connects to the differential and sends power from the engine to the wheels.
When it comes time for your car to have its next routine maintenance service, ask your mechanic if the axle is still in good condition. If the mechanic finds excessive play between parts, it may be time for an axle replacement service.
How Serious Is A Broken Axle?
The vehicle becomes inoperable when the axle or axles break in a car. In some cases, it could lead to injuries and even death.
Example: If a broken axle does not stop a 400-pound man from getting into the driver’s seat and taking off, he may have a severe accident when the axle fails.
You might be able to stop the car in time, having seen the broken axle well ahead, or you might not. This is why it is necessary to repair a broken axle.
What Are The Common Types Of Axles?
An axle means “axletree” or a bar supporting a wheel and forming part of the wheel’s structure. We all know an axle provides support and allows rotation for whatever it is attached to (such as car wheels).
When we think about the types of axles, we can imagine various ways this support and rotating might occur. Some of your favorite vehicles will have a beam axle. You’ve probably heard of “independent suspension” and should know that the front and rear axles will not be attached in an independent suspension setup.
Beam Axle
A beam axle is a simple, sturdy bar extending from the bottom of one wheel to another. It’s used in heavy loads applications because it adds weight, which means more traction and suffers less than other setups.
I-Beam Axle
An I-beam axle has two symmetrical beams connected by a solid cross-shaped beam, the top of which is attached to the suspension or frame on either side. I-beam axles are often used in independent suspensions instead of sliders because they provide more safety under heavy loads.
Ladder Axle
A ladder axle arrangement of an automobile wheel suspension system typically consists of three longitudinal torsion bars with transverse location links. They provide a very comfortable ride, but the limited roll-over movement of such suspensions limits optimum handling characteristics.
Live Axle
The most common form of live axle suspension is in the independent suspension systems of many 4x4s. The differential carrier is not mounted to the chassis/frame in a live axle. Instead, it is “live” or rigidly attached to the vehicle’s body. Most people typically prefer a live-axle suspension system for its simplicity and reliability.
Torsion Beam Axle
A torsion beam is a car suspension system that uses a control arm to locate the wheel but precludes using an anti-roll bar to control the side-to-side movement of the wheel. This can be contrasted with the more standard anti-roll bar design.
Semi-Trailing Arm Axle
A semi-trailing arm axle suspension is typically used on front-drive vehicles because it provides good handling and riding characteristics. Plus, it gives space for two shock absorbers within the length of an integrated transverse leaf spring.
Live axle with Panhard Rod
The live axle with Panhard rod is very similar to the ladder bar suspension below, but with one significant difference – it uses a longitudinal bar (the Panhard Rod) passing through the body of the car to control the sideways movement of the rear axle (similar to front wheel drive setup)
Semi-Independent Suspension
In this suspension system, the rear wheels connect to the chassis through a single lateral arm called a track rod. However, unlike an independent suspension, both wheels have separate control arms that prevent binding when driven over bumps. A semi-independent suspension allows both wheels to share a single degree of freedom.
Torsion bar suspension
A torsion bar suspension is a general term for any vehicle suspension that uses torsion bars as its primary anti-roll system. It can effectively prevent body roll, but some drivers find the ride quality harsh.
Trailing arm suspension
A trailing arm suspension is independent of cars with longitudinal leaf spring systems. Such spring systems were widely present in European front-wheel-drive vehicles from Volkswagen, Volvo, Mercedes Benz, and other manufacturers. The arms are usually on a subframe or a large bracket. Plus, the ends link via a suspension link to a hub on either side of the vehicle.
Ladder bar suspension
A ladder bar is a suspension link system that locates the axle perpendicular to the centerline of the frame. It contrasts with A-arm suspension systems where the axle’s location is forward or behind the transverse position.
Check Out How to Tell if You Have a Bad Axle:
What Are The Signs Of A Broken Axle?
When you first start your car, the engine starts turning. Because of this, it is sometimes difficult to tell if your axle is broken. However, some definite signs indicate something is not right with the axle assembly.
- If you try to take off quickly and one side of your vehicle drives like it is in the wrong gear, you likely have a broken axle. This issue often occurs when you try to reverse your car, but it can happen any time you want to accelerate too quickly.
- Another sign is if one side of your vehicle vibrates or shakes more than the other. It is easy to notice, but it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint which axle is causing the vibration if you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
- It is also possible that you might hear clunking sounds or grinding noises when turning your steering wheel in either direction.
- The car drifts out of its lane when you’re driving straight.
- One side of the car feels like it pulls more in one direction than the other.
- Your steering wheel shakes when you try to make a turn.
- The vehicle drifts either right or left while driving down a straight road.
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms associated with your driving experience, a broken axle may explain them. If so, you should take it as a sign that you need to have the axle/s replaced as quickly as possible.
What Does A Bad Axle Sound Like?
Bad axles can cause several problems with a car’s driveline and create a notable amount of noise. They also have the potential to throw off all kinds of vibrations. If your vehicle has a broken axle, it will sound like a metal rhythmically clamping on metal.
Also, the sound will come from somewhere in the rear-wheel drive system, but the noise may come from inside the vehicle during acceleration or deceleration. Plus, if the noise becomes quieter at higher speeds, there might be something wrong with the right rear axle shaft.
What Does A Broken Axle Look Like?
If you’ve ever broken an axle on your car, truck, van, or other vehicles, you know what a significant headache it can be. It is especially true if you’re traveling down the road and suddenly hear a “snap,” signaling that something isn’t quite right anymore. Under those circumstances, you’ll at least want to prepare for what a broken axle looks like.
First, a broken axle will usually not look different from a standard axle. Until it breaks/snaps off entirely, your steering wheel starts turning on its own. At this point, you’ll know if something’s wrong because the steering wheel will get out of control.
How Long Does an Axle Last?
A new axle can mean the difference between a smooth ride and one that’s lumpy and bumpy. But how long does an axle last?
According to most experts, the average life expectancy of an axle is ten years or 90,000 miles. However, several factors could reduce that period.
The first is the quality of work performed during installation. A poorly installed axle can significantly increase its failure rate, so choose a reputable dealer for this vital job. Then, sift through the work before you drive off with your new axles.
The second factor is the quality of materials used in its manufacture. Cheap axles are likelier to break, but they often slide right by inspectors at the point of sale because they look great on the outside! That’s why choosing a dealer who knows what to look for is so important.
The next thing you can do to help ensure your axle lasts as long as possible is to check it periodically for signs of wear. Listen for odd noises, such as a rhythmic thumping in the wheel when you hit a bump or go around a corner. If you hear that, have your dealer look at the axle to see if it needs replacement.
The final factor influencing life expectancy is how well the vehicle is maintained. Neglect an axle, and it may break. Then again, maybe not. But nobody wants to take that chance. So be sure your ride gets regular tune-ups, fluid changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and all those little things that are so easy to put off until tomorrow but could save you.
Causes of Broken Axle
According to car crash statistics, a broken axle on a car is one of the most common causes of accidents on highways and roads. The rate of breakage in most vehicles is about 1%. Broken axles can cause a complete loss of control over the car, making it difficult for the driver to maneuver the car or stop it. A broken axle is also a fractured, snapped axle or broken driveshaft.
A broken axle can be due to many reasons, and the following points explain what they are.
Wear and Tear
As the car ages, the metal components wear out and become weak. A weak axle leads to fracture and breakage. The metal used does not have the strength to withstand high speed and various environmental factors, such as heat and moisture, which causes the metal to expand and contract. It also causes fatigue on the axle joints, leading to breakage.
Shock
A broken axle can result from a shock on the car. It could be due to an accident or may be a standard shock while driving on a bad road. The impact of the shock causes the axle to bend and ultimately break.
Overloading
Overloading a car can cause a broken axle. If the weight is more than what the axles are capable of, it may eventually break apart due to fatigue or an accident that involves sudden deceleration.
Racing
Vehicles used for racing are under a lot of stress. The axles are constantly moving at high speeds, and this causes the bearings to burn out quickly, eventually leading to breakage. Racing also means more wheel wear, reducing the axle’s lifespan.
Broken axles can cause accidents resulting in significant property loss and lives. A safe way to avoid these problems is to stop driving the vehicle if there is a warning sign of any damage or wear.
Check Out 6 Signs Your Axle Is About to Fail and Break (Symptoms and Signs):
Does It Take Long To Replace A Broken Axle?
Replacing axles is not tricky but can be expensive. It usually takes around 2 hours to replace an axle, and the cost will depend on the vehicle. Working with a broken axle can be a severe safety hazard, and getting under a car with a broken axle may be frustrating and downright tricky.
The price of axles varies depending on the make and model. Axles can be made from steel or alloy, directly affecting the replacement price. Front axle replacement or assembly costs between $700 and $4,000, while rear axle assemblies cost around $900 to $3,500.
In some cases, replacing one side requires replacing both to keep your vehicle in proper working condition. To replace a broken axle, remove all four tires from the vehicle and then wholly separate the drive shafts from the transmission. Then you can begin disassembling your axles.
When reassembling the new axle, you place it in proper working order before putting it back on your car.
Does Your Car Insurance Cover Broken Axle?
One of the most important things about car insurance is what it does and does not cover. It is especially true if a car accident leaves your car with a broken axle.
Many people think their insurance will cover all the damage, but this isn’t always true. Some types of coverage won’t help you; others will only cover a small part of the damage.
Before we dive into what car insurance does and doesn’t cover when it comes to axle damage, we want to mention two types of coverage that ensure nothing at all related to axles: gap insurance and car rental insurance.
Gap Insurance
If you finance your car, you may have purchased gap insurance. Gap insurance covers the difference between what your vehicle is worth (and what you owe) if it’s stolen or destroyed in an accident. It also covers the difference between what you owe for loans or leases if the car is in the shop for an extended period.
Car Rental Insurance
Car rental insurance is different, but it also doesn’t cover axle damage. It only covers the excess expenses you accrue when you rent a car after yours has been stolen or totaled.
How To Move A Car With A Broken Axle?
You need two front tires with fully operational axles or wheels to move your car at. If any of the four tires are flat or too severely damaged, it will NOT let you drive (or even push) your vehicle. Of course, you cannot tow the car with a flat tire or damaged tire either.
If you have two good tires, then most likely, your method of moving your car will be to push it in front of you (assuming that there is no incline). However, if your vehicle has only one good tire, you may still be able to push your car. You can place the good tire next to a wall and push it directly against the wall.
Of course, this method of moving works if there is an available wall nearby for you to use as support. If there’s no support available or the surface is slippery, you can’t push your car even if both tires are good. If you still think that you can do this, then go ahead and try it. You will see how difficult (if not virtually impossible) it is to move a car with only one good tire.
You could potentially lose control of the vehicle. You could also be trapped in the car if a secondary malfunction occurs while trying to fix the broken axle. So, if your car has a broken axle, the wise thing to do is call for help. Do not try to fix it yourself. It can be dangerous!
FAQs
How many axles does my vehicle have?
To find the number of axles your car has, look at the back of your vehicle. If two tires are very close together but slightly further from one another than from the center point between them, your vehicle has a ‘dual axle.’ If a single tire is directly between two other tires, your car has a ‘single axle.’
How long can you drive with a faulty axle?
You can drive your vehicle using bad CV axles for approximately five months. However, if you live in a dry, snowless environment free of dirt or rain, you can drive your automobile for six months.
After six months, you must take your car to a mechanic and replace the faulty axle. It’s hazardous to drive around with a damaged axle after this length of time in your vehicle. Leaving your automobile stranded is possible if you don’t care for the axle. It may happen when you least expect it, leaving you in a bind.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair broken axle?
An axle is part of a machine, so if your axle breaks completely, the cost to fix the broken axle depends on what kind of vehicle you drive. Depending on the damage, a car axle’s price can range from $50 to $1000 or more.
An average car has about four axles costing up to $300 each. But the price also depends on the material that it’s made of. Some axles are plastic or cheap metal, while others are expensive because they are carbon fiber or titanium. They are both light and strong materials, making your car go faster.
Can a faulty axle cause transmission issues?
A bad axle can cause transmission problems. It makes sense that if your driveshaft is out of balance, it causes all drivetrain components to wear prematurely. If you replace the driveshaft, you must ensure the correct balance. It’s worth noting that just because your axle is damaged doesn’t mean it’s bad.
Final Considerations
In reality, driving with a broken axle risks your safety and those with you in the car. You will also spend more money as you need to fix your axles as soon as possible.
It is essential to know that there are instances when you will need to drive with a broken axle because if not, someone might get hurt or, worse, killed in an accident.
In these cases, you should prioritize your safety, so you better leave driving at the garage and call for help instead. Unfortunately, there are times when the nearest garage is too far away, and you will have to drive with a busted axle until you reach it. Just be extra careful while driving.
