We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Automotive

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Factors Affect the Cost of an Axle Replacement?

By Lori Kilchermann
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 7,579
Share

The factors affecting the cost of an axle replacement can vary greatly, depending on the type of vehicle the axle fits. Most often replaced is the drive axle in most vehicles, with axle replacement in four-wheel drive trucks commonly split between front and rear applications. Factors such as spring mounts, shock absorber mounts and axle housing damage all contribute to the final cost of the axle replacement. Also factoring into the total cost of the replacement are axle bearings, grease seals and the price of pressing the bearings onto the new axle. Axle lubricant and center section gaskets as well as C-clips, wheel studs and constant velocity (CV) joints also add to the total price in many axle replacements.

Typically lasting the lifetime of an automobile, the axle is occasionally subject to replacement. The cost of an axle replacement can vary due to many factors, such as vehicle type, age and drive configuration. Front-wheel drive vehicles often require the replacement of the CV joints added to the cost of the axle replacement, while some four-wheel drive trucks can require that the universal joints (U-joints) in the steering knuckles be replaced along with the axle. It is also common for the labor rates on trucks and vans to be higher than an automobile labor charge due to the added difficulty and heft of the components being changed.

The need for independent suspension axle replacement is also greatly increased due to the universal joints or CV joints at both the inner and outer ends of the axle, which allow for the articulation of the independently-moving axle. Common among all types of axle replacement is the cost of seals, gaskets and lubricating oil that must be added to the cost of the axle whenever this type of repair or replacement is required. For axles that have been damaged due to an accident or collision, the axle housing may also need to be replaced, which adds greatly to the total cost.

When replacing an axle housing, suspension mounts, spring mounts and sway bar mounts will typically require replacement as well as the axle shafts themselves. This type of axle replacement will also include the replacement of differential gaskets, seals and bearings. If the axle replacement is due to damaged drive splines within the differential, the damage to the differential may also require replacement. A factor associated with the replacement of an axle that is rarely calculated into the estimation of the replacement by the vehicle owner can be the tire on the damaged axle, which may require replacement as well.

Share
WikiMotors is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wikimotors.org/what-factors-affect-the-cost-of-an-axle-replacement.htm
Copy this link
WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.