Repairing Vehicle Axles

The best way to replace a bad outer joint is to replace the entire axle on that side. This was not always the case, however. When FWD vehicles first came out, new axles were very expensive, sometimes over $500 each! At that time, it was cheaper to replace just the damaged CV joint and boot. Now it is actually less expensive to buy just the CV joint. When an old axle is re-manufactured the worn or damaged parts are re-machined or replaced and the axle will be as good as new, or better. There is another advantage: These axles not only have re-manufactured outer joints, but the inner joints will be as well, and new boots, grease, and clamps already installed. Replacing the entire axle, as opposed to replacing only the joint and boot, is almost always less expensive and less prone to giving you or your mechanic trouble. Furthermore, the Denver mechanic labor to replace the entire axle should e a little less than replacing the joint and boot, usually around $50 per axle. Today, re-manufactured axles cost from $75 to over $150 each for most common car models. You will usually need to replace only one axle at a time. It is not uncommon for a car to need an axle on one side but not the other. When shopping for a axle service center to replace the axle, make sure to compare the warranties.

So far, the outer joint has been the topic of discussion, because they are far more likely to go bad. Inner CV joints are not subjected to the same intense twisting and movement as outer joints, so they don't wear out as often-- but they can go bad. The symptoms for a bad inner joint are much different from the popping that an outer joint makes. In fact, a bad inner joint will not typically cause any strange noises. A bad inner joint will instead cause the car to shake and wobble back and forth, mostly when you are speeding up from a complete stop. This wobble which makes the whole car to move left and right, can be very severe while pressing the gas pedal and will then smooth out when the pedal is released. This condition can also come and go. It may happen once in every ten starts, or it may occur every time you start the car. This type of wobble or shimmy is almost always caused by a bad inner CV joint and should not be confused with a bad tire. Many new tires have been purchased to correct a vibration caused by an axle. A bad tire causes the car to shake whether the gas pedal is being pressed or not.


Like outer joints, a bad inner joint is repaired by replacing the entire axle on that side. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of a bad inner joint is difficult, because you cannot tell which side is bad by turning the wheels and listening for a noise. An experienced technician is needed to correctly diagnose a bad inner joint. The most common method is to raise one wheel at a time and find out which axle is causing the vibration by spinning the wheel with the motor. Some Denver auto repair shops do not use this method, but if they are having trouble finding the bad result, a trial and error method must be used. Talk to the repair manager before starting this job so you will not overpay while trying to diagnose and repair this issue.