Is Driving With a Broken Axle Safe?

A broken car axle is no small matter. If the axle breaks, you usually won’t be able to even drive the vehicle at all, so driving with a broken axle is a no-go situation.

Note, however, that front-wheel-drive vehicles have front driving axles. Four-wheel-drive vehicles have four driving axles, and a front axle that is broken won’t prevent the vehicle from being driven unless it’s somehow fouled and causes that wheel not to turn freely or has damaged steering components.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles have four driving axles, and a front axle that is broken won’t prevent the vehicle from being driven unless it’s somehow fouled and causes that wheel not to turn freely or has damaged steering components.

–Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

But if you ever find that your rear or front axle broke while on the road, stop driving immediately. 

Both axles are important parts of your vehicle. Typically, there’s one live and one dead axle. The live axle connects to and propels the wheels while the dead axle helps hold the weight of the wheels but doesn’t turn with them.

That being said, on modern two-wheel-drive vehicles, there will typically be one CV axle driving each wheel with the differential assembly driving the axles. The rolling wheels that don’t propel (the “dead” end) are typically not connected to any axle, but are mounted on wheel hubs that aren’t directly connected to the opposite wheel.

Can You Drive With a Broken Axle?

Although a completely broken axle will stop your tires, a bad axle that’s about to break might still function well enough for you to drive. That being said, continuing to drive on a bad axle can lead to accidents on the road, and we don’t recommend it.

How Long Can You Drive With a Broken Axle?

If your axle breaks down, you shouldn’t attempt to drive your vehicle at all. A bad axle that’s about to break will emit a rumbling sound and can even cause the vehicle to vibrate when you speed up. A loud banging or clicking sound while shifting gears might indicate a broken front axle specifically. If you notice these signs, it’s best to pull over as soon as possible. If either axle is completely broken, the wheels will stop turning altogether

What Are the Dangers of Driving With a Broken Axle?

A broken axle on your car can affect your brakes and acceleration, meaning you’ll be hard-pressed to control your vehicle on the road. A broken axle can also lead to wobbly steering and the feeling of misaligned tires.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix a Broken Axle?

A replacement axle can cost about $10 to $6,000. Depending on the amount of damage, it can take anywhere from 1.5 to 12 hours to have your broken axle fixed by a licensed mechanic.

Where to Get a Replacement Axle for Your Vehicle

Driving with a broken axle is not worth the possible risk of injuries and accidents, so it’s best to replace it as soon as possible. Thankfully, CarParts.com has an excellent array of affordable and high-quality axles for you to choose from.

Take your pick from only the best aftermarket brands. All our replacement axles passed the highest quality control standards from industry professionals, so you’re sure to get one that’s built to last. They come with a low-price guarantee to give you the best value for your money.

Enter your ride’s year, make, and model to view compatible axles, then use the search filters to find the ones that fit your needs. If you have questions, our team of customer service representatives will give you all the help you need to find what you’re looking for.

We also have a return policy in the unlikely event you’re not satisfied with your order. Simply file a claim through our returns center, and we’ll issue you a full refund.

Avoid the risks of driving with a broken axle. Order a high-quality replacement axle today!