How Can You Tell If Your Car’s Axle Is Broken?

No matter how well-maintained your car is, there is no guarantee that nothing will go wrong while you’re on the road. A car is a machine, after all. However, sometimes your negligence can cost you. You may shrug a sign off thinking it’s nothing serious when in reality, small signs can indicate a major problem with your car.
One of the most common issues with the car that many car owners take lightly is broken axles. To them, the slight wobbling of the car is nothing to worry about without realizing that their car won’t go too far if the axles are broken. Not only do they put the safety of their car in danger but also the lives of everyone traveling with them.
We’ve listed down some signs that will indicate that the axle of your car is broken and that you shouldn’t take your car out on the road.

1.     Vibrations

If your car vibrates unusually after a collision with a pothole or any other object, it may be due to axle damage. When there is axle damage, rumbling noise coming from underneath the vehicle may accompany the vibrations. Sluggish steering and driving and tire wobbling are also signs that indicate that your car’s axle needs attention.

One way to confirm that the vibrations are a result of axle damage is that the vibrations will be more noticeable when you accelerate, decelerate, or take turns. Axle damage affects vehicle handling, comfort, and above all, safety.

2.     A Loud Clunking, Clanking, or Clicking Sound

If you notice a loud clunking or clanking when you put your car into gear, or your car seems to take time to get power when it begins to move, it is an indication that there is damage to your car’s axle joint. A clunking or clanking noise indicates that there is a problem with the transmission of power to the wheels. On the other hand, an unusual clicking sound when you turn your car is also a sign of a faulty axle.

3.     Grease Leak

If you observe grease leakage on the inside of the tire edge, it is a sign that axle boot is leaking. It means that the axle damage hasn’t occurred yet, but if you don’t fix the grease leakage, it might cause axle damage. If you see grease leaking, you should address the issue promptly to avoid the damage from exacerbating.

4.     Car Goes Nowhere

If your car starts fine but doesn’t move even after you hit the gear, it is surely due to a broken axle. No matter how many times you hit the accelerator pedal, your car won’t budge.

Summary

If your car hits a pothole really badly and you notice any of the above-mentioned signs of axle damage, the wise thing to do is pull over the car to the side of the road and call for roadside assistance. A professional will come over to your site and see if the problem can be fixed on the spot. In case the damage is too much, they’ll tow your car to the nearest service station.