Replacing a damaged axle might seem like an intimidating task, but with a bit of know-how, you can save time and avoid costly repairs. First off, you'll need to gather the necessary tools: a jack, lug wrench, socket set, and a torque wrench. Not forgetting, of course, the new axle itself which costs around $150 to $300 depending on the vehicle model. The efficiency of your work significantly depends on having these tools ready at hand.
I remember when John from our local auto shop told me about an incident where a customer ignored a damaged axle for too long. The consequences? A broken axle that led to further complications, adding an extra $500 to the repair bill. So, it's crucial to address such issues promptly to keep repair costs within a manageable range.
Start by placing the car on a flat, solid surface and engaging the handbrake. Lift the car using a jack and secure it with jack stands. The typical jack stand can support around 2 to 3 tons, which is generally sufficient for most cars. Once the car is elevated, use a lug wrench to remove the wheel. This will give you access to the axle. It’s always a good idea to keep track of the bolts; you don’t want to lose any in the process.
Next, you'll need to locate the axle nut. This is where a good socket set comes in handy. Using a breaker bar, loosen the axle nut—keep in mind, these nuts are torqued tightly at the factory (often up to 200 ft-lbs), so it might take some effort. Once removed, you might notice that the axle is connected to other components like the strut and tie rod end. Make sure to detach these parts carefully; damaging them can lead to additional costly repairs.
When detaching the strut and tie rod end, remember the story of an unfortunate individual in the “Auto Weekly” magazine. They didn't mark the positions before disassembly, which led to a significant misalignment cost of $150 post-repair. Hence, always mark the original positions to save yourself from additional hassles.
Afterward, you can proceed to remove the axle from the transmission side. Be cautious; there's usually transmission fluid in there, and you don’t want it spilling all over. Have a drain pan ready to catch any escaping fluid. Inserting a pry bar can help pop the axle out from the transmission. The process can be a bit stubborn; an extra pair of hands could make it go smoother.
Installing the new axle involves reversing the removal steps. Insert the axle into the transmission and ensure it is fully seated. Failure to do this can cause the vehicle to vibrate aggressively when driving. A friend of mine made this mistake; his car vibrated at 60 mph, making it unsafe to drive until he fixed the axle fitting.
Reassemble all previously removed components: the strut, tie rod, and wheel. Carefully follow the specified torque settings from your vehicle's service manual. Incorrect torque can lead to further axle or suspension issues. For instance, most axle nuts need to be torqued back to around 200 ft-lbs. Rushing through this step can lead to misplacement and subsequent damages that can rack up the overall cost.
Finally, lower the car back to the ground and give it a test drive. Pay close attention to any strange noises or vibrations. Misalignments or improper installations often show themselves during the test drive stage. So, should you encounter any discrepancies, don't hesitate to recheck the steps. It is better to spend extra time ensuring everything works smoothly than face another repair bill.
This step-by-step procedure isn't just theoretical but a proven method that various mechanics, including myself, have used repeatedly. Today's mechanic shops often charge $300 to $800 for an axle replacement, depending on vehicle specifications and labor costs. Doing it yourself might take around 2 to 4 hours, and aside from the parts cost, your wallet will thank you.