Axle Shaft Repair Cost Guide
Front Axle Shaft Replacement
Labor time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Labor cost: $187-$312
Parts cost: $150-$400
Total estimated cost: $337-$712
Note: Front axle shaft repairs are typically more complex due to additional components that need to be removed.
Rear Axle Shaft Replacement
Labor time: 1-2 hours
Labor cost: $125-$250
Parts cost: $100-$300
Total estimated cost: $225-$550
CV Axle Shaft Replacement
Labor time: 1.5-2 hours
Labor cost: $187-$250
Parts cost: $125-$450
Total estimated cost: $312-$700
Important factors that may affect pricing:
- Vehicle make and model
- Part availability and quality
- Additional repairs needed
- Rust or damage complications
Warranty Information:
All our axle shaft repairs come with a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on parts and labor.
*Prices listed are estimates and may vary based on specific vehicle requirements and market conditions. Please contact us for an accurate quote for your specific vehicle.
Axle Shaft Repair Procedures
Front Axle Shaft Repair
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Inspect for signs of damage, including clicking sounds during turns, vibrations, or grease leaks from the CV boots.
Step 2: Vehicle Preparation
- Raise and secure vehicle on jack stands
- Remove wheel and tire assembly
- Remove brake caliper and rotor
Step 3: Axle Removal
- Remove axle nut (typically requires special socket)
- Disconnect lower ball joint if necessary
- Carefully separate CV axle from hub assembly
- Remove axle from transmission/transaxle
Step 4: Installation
- Insert new axle into transmission/transaxle
- Connect to hub assembly
- Install new axle nut to specified torque
- Reconnect all removed components
Rear Axle Shaft Repair
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Check for symptoms like fluid leaks, unusual noises, or difficulty driving.
Step 2: Vehicle Preparation
- Secure vehicle on lift or jack stands
- Remove wheel and tire assembly
- Drain differential fluid if necessary
Step 3: Axle Removal
- Remove brake drum or rotor
- Remove retaining clips or C-clips (if applicable)
- Carefully slide axle shaft out of housing
Step 4: Installation
- Insert new axle shaft
- Install new bearings and seals if required
- Secure with retaining hardware
- Reinstall brake components
- Refill differential fluid to proper level
Final Steps for Both Types:
- Reinstall wheels
- Lower vehicle
- Test drive to ensure proper operation
- Check for any unusual noises or vibrations
Note: Specific procedures may vary by vehicle make and model. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for exact specifications and torque requirements.
Safety Warning:Axle repair should only be performed by qualified mechanics with proper tools and equipment. Incorrect installation can lead to serious safety issues.
Understanding Axle Shafts: Types and Functions
Drive Axle Shaft
Adrive axle shaftis a critical component that transfers power from the vehicle's transmission and differential to the drive wheels. It's responsible for converting the rotational force into the motion that actually moves your vehicle. These shafts are designed to withstand significant torque while maintaining smooth power delivery.
Front Axle Shaft
Thefront axle shaftis specifically designed for front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles. It combines the tasks of both steering and power delivery to the front wheels. These shafts feature special joints (typically CV joints) that allow them to maintain constant power delivery even as the wheels turn during steering.
Rear Axle Shaft
Therear axle shaftis primarily found in rear-wheel-drive vehicles and is responsible for transferring power from the differential to the rear wheels. These shafts are typically more robust than front axle shafts as they often handle more torque and don't need to accommodate steering angles.
Half Shaft
Ahalf shaftis essentially half of a complete axle assembly, running from the differential to one wheel. Modern vehicles typically use independent suspension systems where each wheel has its own half shaft. These components are crucial for maintaining even power distribution to each wheel while allowing for independent wheel movement.
CV Axle Shaft
TheCV (Constant Velocity) axle shaftis a specialized type of drive shaft that uses constant velocity joints to maintain smooth power delivery at any steering angle. These are commonly found in front-wheel-drive vehicles and feature special joints at both ends that allow for both up-and-down suspension movement and steering angles while delivering consistent power.
Important Note:Regular inspection and maintenance of axle shafts is crucial for vehicle safety and performance. Signs of failing axle shafts include vibrations, clicking noises during turns, and grease leakage from the boots.
Common Axle Shaft Failure Symptoms and Warning Signs
Understanding Axle Shaft Maintenance and Failure Signs
Common Signs of Axle Shaft Failure
Vibrations: One of the earliest signs of axle shaft problems is unusual vibration, particularly during acceleration. You might feel this through the steering wheel or floorboard.
Clicking or Clunking Noises: If you hear clicking sounds when turning or clunking noises during acceleration or deceleration, this could indicate worn CV joints or damaged axle shafts.
Grease Leakage: If you notice dark grease on the inside edge of your tires or around the wheel area, this could indicate a torn CV boot, which can lead to axle shaft failure.
Vehicle Doesn't Move: In severe cases, a completely broken axle shaft will prevent your vehicle from moving, regardless of whether the engine is running.
Typical Service Schedule
Regular Inspection: Axle shafts should be inspected during routine maintenance, typically every 60,000 miles or when performing other undercarriage work.
CV Boot Check: CV boots should be inspected every 30,000 miles or during tire rotations for tears or damage.
Preventive Maintenance:
- Check CV boots every 6 months for cracks or tears
- Inspect for grease leakage during every oil change
- Listen for unusual noises during regular driving
Replacement Schedule: While axle shafts don't have a specific replacement interval, they typically last 70,000 to 130,000 miles under normal driving conditions. However, this can vary based on:
- Driving conditions
- Vehicle maintenance
- Vehicle type and usage
- Environmental factors
Note: Always consult your vehicle's owner manual for specific maintenance schedules, as requirements can vary by make and model.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
