Car axle replacement cost

What is a car axle?

A car axle is a critical component of your vehicle's drivetrain. It transfers power from the transmission to the wheels, allowing your vehicle to move. Depending on your vehicle's drivetrain configuration, your car may have front axles, rear axles or both. Axles are also essential in supporting the weight of the vehicle and maintaining wheel alignment during motion.

Symptoms of a failing axle

Knowing the signs of a failing axle can help you avoid further damage and potentially dangerous situations. Here are common symptoms that your car’s axle needs to be fixed:

• Knocking or clicking noises when turning, especially at low speeds
• Vibration or shuddering during acceleration
• Grease on the edge of your tires, indicating a torn CV boot
• Difficulty steering or handling issues
• Vehicle pulling to one side

How much does it cost to replace an axle?

The average cost to replace a constant velocity (CV) axle is between $1,026 and $1,176, according to RepairPal (a site that compiles repair cost data). However, axle replacement costs can vary a lot depending on the vehicle type, the type of axle and the extent of the repair.

One reason for that is because different cars have different axle configurations:

• Front-wheel-drive vehicles typically have two CV axles up front.
• Rear-wheel-drive vehicles typically have two CV axles in the back, but that’s only if the vehicle has independent suspension.
• All-wheel-drive vehicles typically have four CV axles — one for each wheel.
• Some classic cars, trucks and specialty off-road vehicles have what’s known as a solid axle — a simple, straight beam connecting the wheels without a pair of CV axles. Some enthusiasts prefer solid axles over CV axles for their simplicity and durability.

Generally speaking, it’s far cheaper to replace a solid axle than a CV axle due to the solid axle’s simpler design. That’s why our sample quotes below show a gulf in price between an axle replacement for a Ford F-150 — which uses a solid rear axle — and our other two sample vehicles.

Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles also tend to require CV axle replacements much more often than rear-wheel-drive vehicles, but it really comes down to whether your CV axles are positioned in the front (such as in most FWD and AWD vehicles) or in the rear (such as in most RWD vehicles with independent suspension).

We consulted Nick Zeman, shop manager at Fastlane Auto Import Repair in Atlanta, to explain why.

“CV axles on front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles always fail much faster. That’s because any axle in the front of the vehicle is going to be under far more stress by design AND take more abuse from bad road conditions.”

High-end luxury and performance vehicles, like Audis, BMWs and Porsches, also tend to have highly sophisticated suspension setups. CV axles are an integral part of your suspension, so if you drive one of those vehicles, you can expect to pay more than average for a replacement.

To give you a better idea of what a car axle replacement might cost on your vehicle, we called five mechanics nationwide to get axle replacement quotes for three sample vehicles: a Honda Civic with CV axles upfront, a Ford F-150 with a solid axle in back and a BMW with a pair of performance CV axles in the rear.

Can you fix an axle without replacing it?

It’s possible to repair an axle — solid or CV — without having to replace it, and it’s usually cheaper, too. However, repair isn’t always an option, and people sometimes disagree about how viable repairs are.

For example, many shops and do-it-yourself enthusiasts will replace the CV boot alone, which is the rubber housing protecting the metal components of the axle from road debris. (RepairPal estimates that the average CV boot replacement costs between $325 and $372.) Others say that if the CV boot has failed, then it’s already too late — there may be unseen damage to the CV axle itself, so it’s best to go ahead and replace the entire axle and boot assembly.

Whether or not your axle can be repaired depends on what’s wrong with it and your mechanic’s opinion.

When we interviewed Jay Jindal, owner and lead mechanic at Jindal-Andre Automotive Services in Washington, D.C., he explained to us that repairing an axle is often all that’s needed: “We rarely replace the entire axle assembly and instead try to fix what’s wrong. Axles are durable, and they are made to be taken apart, cleaned and repaired.”

But Zeman, the shop manager from Atlanta, told us that the rising complexity of modern cars has made axle repairs increasingly less viable overall, “You used to be able to get away with doing an axle rebuild by replacing boots and other things, but that doesn’t really work on the newer stuff.”

The bottom line is that whether or not you can avoid replacing your axle comes down to who’s doing the work and the extent of your axle problems. If you’re looking to spend less than replacement costs, it may be worth going a different route.

» MORE: Car axle repair cost

How to keep axle replacement costs low

Axle replacements can be expensive, but there are several strategies that may help you avoid paying full price—or anything at all. From warranty coverage and price shopping to towing considerations and simple negotiation tactics, here are some of the best ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

1. See if your vehicle is under warranty

Virtually all powertrain warranties, whether from the manufacturer or an extended warranty company, include coverage for your drive axle(s).

“If you bring it in while it’s still clicking or the boot is torn, we’ll cover the cost of a repair or replacement,” a representative with Endurance told us. “As long as the axle hasn’t totally failed, we’ll cover it.”

An Endurance reviewer from South Carolina corroborated that, telling us, “ I had a claim on my rear axle and they fixed that for me. … They're worth the money.”

That said, some warranty providers may deny your claim on the basis that a CV axle failing after 50,000 miles is normal wear and tear. But it’s probably worth a phone call to find out since you could save $1,000+.

» SEE IF YOU’RE COVERED: Car warranty check by VIN

2. Call around for multiple quotes

In our experience, going to the dealership is often the most expensive option. Consider calling around to at least three of the highest-rated third-party mechanics in your area to see who can offer you the lowest price on an axle replacement.

3. Budget for towing

Keep in mind that it’s not safe to drive a vehicle with a failing axle, so you’ll want to consider the cost of towing your vehicle to your chosen mechanic. If the shop with the best price is too far away, you can always try calling a closer shop and asking them to match your best offer.

4. Try negotiating

Most auto repairs are negotiable. Sometimes, simply asking, “Can you get me out the door for [80% of initial quote]?” can result in instant savings.