The answer to this question is relatively simple. If your car shocks are becoming worn, hitting any bump or pothole in the road could cause damage to your car axles. Because the axle is continually rotating and flexing to accommodate different road conditions, it can wear out and fail, resulting in a broken axle.
The performance of your vehicle's wheel and suspension systems is essentially dependent on the condition of the car axles. Axles are involved in the steering, driving, and braking of the vehicle, linking the power from the engine to the tires, plus carrying the whole weight of the vehicle and its components.
If an axle is bad, it puts extra stress on the car shocks, causing them to wear out prematurely, resulting in expensive repair bills. Bad axles can also result in excessive wear to your tires, costing you even more money in replacing your tires.
Most people don’t keep a vehicle long enough for a car axle to break, though, it’s vital to know the indicators of failing car axles:
- A sudden clunking sound heard when you put your vehicle into gear
- Vibrations felt in the car when driving, braking, or going around a bend.
- Power is not being transferred from the engine to the wheels.
Also, it’s good to be aware of what causes a broken axle:
- Overload. When there is too much load, such as too much cargo or too many passengers, the axles may not have sufficient strength to hold the weight of the vehicle.
- Metal fatigue. This is especially prevalent in older vehicle models, high mileage vehicles, or vehicles that carry excessively weighty loads. As cars age, axles become more brittle, reducing their strength.
- Off-road conditions. Too much stress and force caused by bumps in the road or potholes are being put on the axles in carrying the weight of the vehicle.
Are you wondering what causes a broken axle? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about the suspension system and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
