How Long Can You Drive With a Broken Axle?
It can be dangerous to drive with a broken axle, but there’s a chance your vehicle may not move at all if you have one. Click here to learn more.
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Kaitlin May
You shouldn’t drive with a broken axle, as it can cause the tire to fall off the rim. It can also damage other essential components of your vehicle like the engine or transmission.
Can you still drive with a bad axle? There’s a chance your vehicle won’t drive at all since the axle helps to rotate the wheels! But even if you’re still able to drive, it’s not a great idea to operate a vehicle with a faulty axle. In this guide, our
car repair
experts dig into how long you can drive without replacing a properly working axle. Is it safe to drive with a broken axle?
In some circumstances, it may be safe to drive for a very short distance with a broken axle—but it would not be advised. You may not even have a choice in the matter, since your vehicle might not move at all with a faulty axle. The longer you wait to replace it, the more likely you are to cause damage to other vehicle components like your engine, tires, and transmission.
So what is an axle, anyway? As an essential component, the axle is a rod or shaft powered by the engine that helps rotate the wheels and supports the vehicle’s weight. Most cars have two axles, but larger SUVs and heavy-duty pickup trucks may have more.
There are three different types of axles:
- Rear axle: transmits power between the differential and driving wheels
- Front axle: assists with steering and absorbs shocks while driving on uneven roads
- Stub axle: helps support the front wheels while connected to the front axle
Considering that the axle connects the engine, steering system, transmission, and wheels, it can be extremely dangerous to drive with a broken axle. Not only can you cause damage to one or all of these expensive vehicle components, but your tire could fall off the rim. In that case, you could cause a serious accident or get stranded in the middle of nowhere.
If you suspect that you have a broken axle on your hands, you must replace it as soon as possible—not just for your safety, but the safety of others on the road.
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How long can you go without changing your axle?
On average, axles are expected to last about 10 years or up to 90,000 miles.
But if you’re noticing signs of a bad axle, you should head to your local repair shop to have it replaced immediately. If you need to put off repairs due to a lack of funds, it may be best not to drive your vehicle at all depending on how badly the axle is damaged.
Can a bad axle cause engine damage?
Yes! Axles are crucial vehicle components because they transfer power from the engine to the wheels and allow them to move forward. A broken axle (or any car component within the front or rear differential) can cause the engine to shut off completely.
MORE: How to remove axle bearings
How to tell if your axle is broken
No tire rotation is the biggest sign of a faulty axle—but that’s not all. You should keep an eye out for the following common symptoms of a broken axle:
- Unusual noises: If you’re hearing clunking or grinding noises while turning your wheels, the axle could be the culprit.
- Hard to accelerate: While your wheels may rotate with a broken axle, it will be a lot harder to get your vehicle moving with a bad axle.
- Vibrations while driving: If one side of your vehicle vibrates or shakes more than the other side, a broken axle could be to blame.
- Misaligned brake pads: If your vehicle is skidding or slipping, this could be a sign that your brake pads are not aligned due to a broken axle.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your vehicle to a professional mechanic to help you diagnose the problem as soon as you can.
How much does an axle replacement cost?
On average, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1,000 for an axle replacement, depending on the severity of the problem. While this isn’t the cheapest repair, it’s more affordable than replacing your engine or transmission.
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