You might not realize this, but you can drive on a broken axle in some cases. Sometimes, the break is just a crack, and you will be able to navigate your automobile. Choisser Automotive warns, however, that driving on a broken axle is dangerous and leads to further damage. If you suspect you have a broken axle, you should have your vehicle inspected right away. Here are signs you have a broken axle.
Heavy Vibration
If you just drove over a pothole the size of the Grand Canyon or got into a fender-bender and your vehicle is vibrating excessively, you may have broken the axle. The automobile will vibrate all the time, but you’ll also notice it vibrating more when you accelerate. The tires on the affected axle will wobble, and you will have a difficult time steering and controlling your automobile. Rumbling noises may accompany the vibrations, which will get worse at slower speeds. You know how your vehicle feels when it’s in motion. Any changes to the sensations need to be looked into as soon as possible.
Clunking Noises
You may also hear clunking or clanking noises if you’ve broken an axle. The clunk will occur when you put your automobile into gear. After the clunk, you may struggle to get your vehicle up to speed. A broken or cracked axle makes it difficult for the transmission to transfer power to the wheels to make them turn. It’s important to note that loud clunking sounds can also indicate a transmission problem. Either way, getting to the bottom of the clunking sound quickly is crucial to the overall health of your automobile.
Zero Motion
Finally, if your vehicle fires up and goes into gear just fine only to sit while you press down on the accelerator, you have a broken axle. This is a definite sign that you have serious damage underneath the car. The transmission sends power to the drive train so the axles can turn and spin the wheels. No turning means no axle – or at least an axle that is intact. You may experience zero motion even if the axle is only cracked if the crack is severe enough. Shut down your automobile and call for a tow to our shop. We can inspect the axles to see if they are cracked or broken.
We are Choisser Automotive in Davidsonville, MD, and we are automobile service and repair experts. Call us today if you suspect you’ve broken an axle.