Your vehicle’s axles are vital to keeping you safe on the road. They are just as important as other safety devices on your vehicle, such as brakes and tires. Axles bear all of your vehicle’s weight. They connect its wheels and help drive the vehicle. In most cars, the axles are an essential part of the steering system, working with power steering fluid and other components to ensure smooth turning.
When most people think of the word axle, they imagine a bar between two wheels, as seen on wagons or train cars. Most axles, however, are more complex, and they require the eyes and expertise of someone like the team at Westgate High Tech Auto Care to inspect and repair them.
Most of today’s vehicles are built using split axles, which means the wheel on each side of the axle is attached to a separate shaft. Split axles allow independent suspension of the left and right wheels, which allows for a smoother ride. These modern designs also permit the left and right wheels to rotate at different speeds as the vehicle turns. By allowing each side to rotate at different speeds, the split axle improves traction and extends tire life, saving you money in the long run. This particular component is called the differential.
The axle is connected to the wheel by a component called the CV joint. The CV joint boot is a protective flexible covering which covers the joint. If this boot becomes damaged, it can cause brake fluid to leak out, which can cause serious problems.
If your vehicle is not turning as smoothly as usual or you are having problems stopping your car, you might need an axle repair. Bring your vehicle to Westgate High Tech Auto Care today so our team of experts can inspect and fix your vehicle’s axles. If your vehicle’s axles need to be replaced, we can help you find the best axles in NAPA’s inventory and install them for you so you can get back on the road quickly.
Automotive Solutions from Westgate High-Tech Auto Care: Axle
Axles and Axle Repair in Omaha
Your axles are the last link in transferring power from the engine to your wheels. They’re strong parts that last a long time – but they can run into trouble.
Axles just wear out over time and need to be replaced. And sometimes axle seals leak, causing the axle to wear out prematurely. Lubricant leaks out, and water and dirt can get in and contaminate the gears. When this happens you might hearstrange noises coming from your axle.
Omaha NE AxlesIf you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the sound would be at the rear end. If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, the sound would be up front. Of course, with an all-wheel drive, the sound could come from either front or back. It might be a groaning sound or clunking when turning.
There are different kinds of axles, each with their own potential problems. Your Omaha NE service technician knows this and checks for things like leaking seals, torn CV boots, worn axle joints. An inspection will reveal if there are any problems or if a part is nearing failure.
Our Omaha Axle Repair Service
When there is a concern with the axle shaft, it will be removed and inspected. If it’s damaged, the shaft will have to be replaced. If the shaft is in good shape, it’ll be cleaned, lubed and reinstalled. Damaged CV boots are replaced as well.
It’s important to take care of this work as soon as you become aware of a problem. Waiting only makes the damage worse and more expensive to repair later. If the axle fails completely, it could lock up. This could severely damage other things like your transmission – very expensive. It could also contribute to an accident, which nobody wants.
Axle Repair FAQ
Taking care of your axles when they need it saves money in the long run, and helps keep you safely on the road
Question: I hear a clunking sound from my front wheel I make a turn.
What could be the problem?
Westgate High-Tech Auto Care Answer:
One possible cause of the problem for Omaha motorists is a worn axle. Front-wheel drive vehicles have axles that transfer power from the transmission to your front wheels. There is one for each front wheel. These axles are called constant velocity axles or CV axles for short. Omaha drivers with rear-wheel drive vehicles have axles that are in back and run between the differential and the rear wheels. Of course, all-wheel drive vehicles will have an axle at each wheel.
When a front CV axle goes bad, it will commonly make a clunking noise as you make a slow turn. When a rear axle goes bad, the clunking or moaning sound will be in the back. Now there really isn’t any preventive maintenance you can have performed to make your axles last longer, but you can have them inspected from time to time to see if a problem such as a leaking seal or torn protective boot has arisen. Sometimes finding the trouble early will make the repair easier and less costly.
Of course, axles do wear out and need to be replaced. This is important and should not be put off by Omaha auto owners because a severely worn axle can seize up causing expensive damage to your transmission or other components. This could even lead to an accident for Omaha motorists who ignore a worn axle.
If you suspect an axle issue, have it looked at right away. Ask your understanding Westgate High-Tech Auto Care service professional if it’s time for an inspection of your axle.
Give us a call
Westgate High-Tech Auto Care
12300 West Center Road
Omaha, NE 68144
402.397.8144