What are the symptoms of a bad car axle?
3 Answers
Car axle symptoms when damaged are as follows: 1. Abnormal noises while driving: If the car axle is excessively worn, metal friction sounds and metal collision noises will occur during driving, which become more noticeable when turning; 2. Vehicle pulling to one side: Since the axle serves as a drive shaft, if there are issues with the drive on both left and right axles, the vehicle may pull to one side even when the steering wheel is straightened; 3. Steering wheel vibration at high speeds: Due to axle damage, the vehicle's dynamic balance is affected, significantly impacting stability during high-speed driving.
Last time I drove my old sedan, I encountered this issue. The car was relatively quiet when going straight, but as soon as I turned, there was a clunking noise from underneath, like something was knocking. Especially at low-speed turns, the sound became louder—quite harsh, as if metal was grinding or colliding. When accelerating, the whole car body started vibrating, and the steering wheel also had a slight tremor, making the car feel unstable, almost as if it was falling apart. Once on the highway, as I sped up, the car felt wobbly, and I almost lost control. Later, after an inspection, I found out the CV joint was broken, so I rushed it to the shop for repairs. If left untreated, the wheel could have loosened or affected the suspension system. Now, whenever I hear any strange noises while driving, I’m extra cautious.
When you notice excessive noise during turns or feel vibrations in the car body while driving, it's likely a problem with the drive shaft. When this power-transmitting component wears out or cracks, it produces a knocking sound, particularly noticeable during turns or on bumpy roads. The vibration intensifies during acceleration, and the steering wheel may slightly shake. If left unrepaired, the vibrations can increase stress on the suspension system, leading to unstable driving. From my personal experience, it's best to stop and inspect the issue promptly before it worsens, as delayed repairs can become more complicated and compromise safety.
