All About Axle Care

Axles are a crucial component of your vehicle’s wheel system, yet they often go unnoticed until a problem arises. Understanding the parts of a car, wheel and axle can help you address problems early on and keep your vehicle in optimal condition. At Sunroad Collision Center in San Diego, CA, we review how your car’s axle works and details on proper axle care.

Important Parts of a Car, Wheel and Axle

The axle is a fundamental part of any vehicle with wheels. It plays a vital role in steering, driving, and braking, transferring power and torque from the engine to the wheels. The hub, located at the wheel’s center, connects the wheel housing to the axle, with bolts ensuring an even distribution of force.

Types of Axles

There are two primary types of axles in automobiles:

1. Drive Axle: Connected to the driveshaft, which extends into the vehicle’s transmission and links to the engine. This axle is responsible for turning the wheels by transferring engine power.
2. Dead Axle: Not connected to the engine and only turns when the vehicle is in motion. Its primary function is to support the vehicle’s weight, working in tandem with the drive axle.

Signs Your Axles Need Repair

Axles are subject to wear and tear over time, and there are signs to watch out for that indicate they may need attention. A sudden clunking noise when shifting gears could indicate a problem with the axle. Experiencing vibrations while driving, braking, or turning can signal an axle issue. If your car sounds normal but won’t move, it’s likely an axle problem.

Schedule Your Next Axle Service at Sunroad Collision Center

At Sunroad Collision Center, we prioritize your vehicle’s safety and performance. A broken axle is a serious issue that demands immediate attention from one of our expert technicians. We use high-quality replacement parts and provide top-notch axle care for San Diego, CA drivers — schedule an appointment today!