How to Replace a CV Axle

Replacing a front-wheel-drive axle is straightforward, although physically demanding. Get the replacement axle before you start, as well as a new spindle nut and a cotter pin or two. You’ll need both wheels off the ground to allow enough suspension droop. You’ll need a big socket to remove the spindle nut.

It would take approximately 30 minutes to replace one axle. If a person actually wanted to repair an axle, if completely broken, then it would have to be welded. Welding an axle will not work, it weakens the steel to much to make it usable again. Front axles on most newer vehicles are a whole new game.

1. There is a video at the bottom of this guide showing this job being done.
2. Remove the Axle Nut Cotter Pin.
3. Remove the Axle Nut.
4. Disconnect Ball Joint.
5. Remove the Outer CV Joint.
6. Match the Old CV Axle to the New Unit.
7. Install the New CV Axle.
8. Reconnect the Lower Ball Joint.

The average to repair a front axle is $550 dollars. Rear axle repair costs run a little higher and average about $799 dollars. Your axle repair cost will depend on the type of vehicle, make and model of vehicle you drive.

4 Signs of a Bad CV Axle/Half Shaft

1. “Clicking” Noises When Turning.
2. A Knocking Sound.
3. Grease on the Inside or Edge of the Tires.
4. Vibration While Driving. This is a tricky one, since there are many things that could cause vibration when you drive.

Hitting a curb hard enough can shift your axle and wheel shaft into the transmission. Even a slight jolt to the case can do harm. Worse yet, curbs can damage your transmission fluid and cooling lines, bust open your oil pan, or break off the valve entirely.

If your axles are failing, you’ll still technically be able to drive your car. This is very risky, though, as they could completely fail at any point. When your axle fails, it’s possible that you’ll lose control of the car, possibly causing an accident or crashing.

The repairs can cost you anywhere from $170 to $900 or more. It depends primarily on the kind of car you have, as the parts will range in price quite a bit. Labor costs are typically between $100 and $200, but a few cars will cost more. It just depends on how long the mechanic has to work to change out your axle.

A Loud Clanking, Clunking, or Clicking When constant velocity axles fail, you may also hear an unusual clicking sound may when turning the vehicle as joints become loose. These clicks are on the side of the faulty axle shaft and typically become noisier during sharp or fast turns.

Even though insurance doesn’t cover routine repairs, it may cover axle repairs if they broke from a covered item. Policies with comprehensive and collision coverage may pay for your axle repair if it broke due to an auto accident. Some policies even cover repairs from harsh weather.

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.

If you continue to drive on a loose or broken axle it will become loose at the inner joints. If you can move it up or down this is a sign that the differential in the transmission is damaged. If the differential is worn the seal has likely become damaged and the transmission will start to leak.

Q : Is a broken axle repairable? In most cases, replacement is the best way to fix a bent or broken axle. Patching up an axle crack or break is too risky, as it can fail while you’re driving.

How often do front axles need to be replaced? Straight axles tend to fail less often than CV axles because of their heavy-duty nature. The typical front CV axle should last between 80,000 and 100,000 miles, but your driving style can significantly increase or decrease service life.

Shaft/axle wobble and vibration – When your vehicle has a bent or broken axle shaft, one of the clearest ways you’ll notice is how at lower speeds the car might seem to wobble. At higher speeds (over 20 mph), the wobble may turn into what feels more like a general vibration.

Fixing an axle seal can cost anywhere from $150 to several hundred dollars, depending on the make and model of your car. If you detect a leak it’s better to fix it sooner rather than later, as ruining your transmission is an expensive repair.

Replacing a CV Boot Many repair shops, though, will recommend replacing the entire axle if a boot is torn because there may be unseen damage to the CV joints, axle shafts and other parts that could result in other problems. Outer boots (the ones closest to a wheel) are more prone to tears than inner boots.