Damage to the axle or axles of your car is not something you can ignore. Even if the damage is mild, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
However, axle damage repair can be pricey, especially if you need to replace parts. Is it worth it, though, and can axle damage total your car?
Does a bent axle total a car? Well, depending on the severity of the axle damage, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $7,500.
Because repair can be so costly, your insurance might indeed deem your car totaled.
A car axle is a part that allows your wheels to move. It also maintains the position of the wheels relative to each other and supports the weight of the car.
Damage to the axle will prevent your car from moving even if the engine and transmission are working perfectly.
That’s why any damage to the car’s axles must be addressed as soon as possible. Even a crack or bent shaft can be dangerous.
Axle damage is considered serious damage as it impacts the structural integrity and functioning of your vehicle.
Axle damage repair costs can vary widely depending on where the damage is, how many parts are affected, and the severity of the damage.
On the lower end of the price range for axle damage costs are individual small parts:
Larger parts usually cost more and this is what you can expect to pay for them:
What about if you need to replace both front and rear axles? You’ll be looking at several thousand dollars worth of repairs:
Axle repair also comes with labor costs that can range from $50 to $140.
Wheel alignment will likely also be necessary which can cost anywhere from $20 to $200, depending on the repair center.
There are a variety of symptoms that your car can exhibit if it has a broken axle. Some are more noticeable than others, but all of them are worth a look by an experienced mechanic.
Car axles are composed of many parts and can break at any of those points. These are some common types of damage:
As a result of damage to these parts, you can experience one or more of these symptoms:
Axle damage on a car can potentially damage your transmission. That’s because these two parts are connected. The axles respond to gear change and cause the wheels to move faster or slower accordingly.
If the axle is damaged, it can:
Both can place great stress on your transmission, especially if it can’t change gears the way it’s supposed to. With enough stress, the transmission will get damaged and need repair alongside the axle.
While it’s possible to repair or replace a broken axle, the cost of it might be more than you or your insurance company are willing to pay. In fact, that money can be better used to completely replace your vehicle.
If you’re leaning away from repairs and toward selling, DamagedCars is here for you. We purchase vehicles that are damaged, not running, or are totaled so, we’ll gladly buy your car with its broken axle.
Here’s how our process works:
The entire process is completely free and can be completed in 24 to 48 hours. Get a quote for your car with axle damage today!
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Repair costs for a broken axle vary by the extent of the damage, type of damage, and more. If you only need certain parts replaced, then you can expect a bill for several hundred dollars.
On the other hand, if the damage is extensive and severe, and your mechanic recommends replacing both the front and rear axle, you’ll be looking at several thousand dollars worth of repairs.
It’s not safe to drive with any kind of vehicle damage, let alone axle damage. Depending on the severity of the damage, you might not even be able to operate your vehicle at all.
If your car is operable, it is not advised that you drive it. The axle damage can put stress on other parts like the transmission and powertrain, further exasperating the damage.
If it is bent or cracked and hit by objects on the road, a part of the axle can fall onto the road or catch on potholes or curbs.