The CV axle plays a vital role in keeping your car moving smoothly. It transfers power from the transmission to the wheels while allowing them to flex and turn with ease.
But like any hardworking part, it doesn’t last forever. Over time, wear and tear can lead to serious issues — and a potentially costly repair if left unchecked.
Wondering how much it might cost to replace it?
We’ll break down the CV axle replacement cost, factors influencing the price, and signs that it’s time to get yours checked before it leads to bigger problems on the road.
Let’s begin!
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does Replacing a CV Axle Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing Your CV Axle?
- 8 Surefire Signs You Need a CV Axle Replacement
- How Long Do New CV Axles Last?
- How Does a Mechanic Replace a CV Axle?
How Much Does Replacing a CV Axle Cost?
Here’s what you can expect to shell out to replace your CV axle:
A. Range
The average CV axle replacement cost ranges between $930 and $1,400. This includes:
- Parts cost: $760 to $1,050
- Labor cost: $170 to $350
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Replacing a CV axle isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation when it comes to the average cost. A few key factors can influence your final repair price, such as:
- Vehicle type: High-end (e.g., Mercedes-Benz S-Class) or heavy-duty vehicles (e.g., Ford F-350 Super Duty) often require more expensive axles and specialized labor, increasing the average cost.
- Number of axles: Replacing two to four axles will increase the cost significantly compared to replacing just one.
- Aftermarket vs Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) axles: Aftermarket axles are typically cheaper than OEM axles, impacting your overall cost.
- Accessibility: Some vehicles may have axles that are harder to access, increasing labor time and car repair costs.
- Condition of related components: If additional components like boots, bearings, or seals are damaged, your overall cost will increase as these parts may need replacement too. For example, replacing a single CV boot can cost between $175 and $350, depending on the vehicle model and labor cost.
Is It Worth Replacing Your CV Axle?
Yes, replacing your entire axle or CV shaft is important to avoid severe damage and potential safety risks.
While some mechanics may repair the axle by replacing only the CV boot, this is only effective if no hidden damage has occurred. Modern vehicles also often have integrated axle designs and complex systems that make repairs less feasible. So, while an axle repair may save some costs, replacing it ensures long-term safety and reliability.
Moreover, delaying a full replacement can result in costly damage to suspension or transmission parts.
Regular inspections can help identify issues early, and prompt replacement is often the safest option.
8 Surefire Signs You Need a CV Axle Replacement
Here are eight unmistakable symptoms that mean you have a broken axle:
- Popping noises when turning: If you hear a popping or clicking sound when making sharp turns, it’s often a sign of a bad CV axle. This noise usually means the joint is damaged and needs attention.
- Grease marks all-around: If you notice grease splatters around the tire or suspension, it suggests that the CV joint boot has already leaked lubricant, but the boot may not yet be visibly torn. This can happen when the boot is still intact but starting to degrade, allowing small amounts of grease to escape.
- Torn or cracked boot: A torn CV joint boot allows dirt and debris to enter, leading to axle wear. If you spot cracks or tears, it’s best to replace the boot or broken axle before bigger issues arise.
- Wobbly axle: If your car feels unstable, it may indicate that the axle is no longer securely connected to its suspension. This issue is more structural and could signify loose components or early wear.
- Bouncing or vibrations: In case your car vibrates or bounces excessively while driving, your CV shaft might be worn. Vibrations increase at higher speeds and should be checked promptly.
- Difficulty steering: The CV axle could be at fault if the steering wheel feels stiff or unresponsive. A failing CV axle affects the vehicle’s control and should be inspected immediately.
- Loss of power to wheels: If you notice your car struggling to move, especially from a stop, a failing CV axle could be to blame. Without a functioning axle, power won’t transfer to the wheels properly.
- Brake misalignment: Axle problems can throw off the alignment between your brake pads, rotors, and wheels, leading to skidding or slipping when stopping. If left untreated, this misalignment can result in a complete loss of braking ability.
How Long Do New CV Axles Last?
New CV axles generally last between 70,000 and 130,000 miles, depending on your driving habits.
However, harsh driving conditions, like rough terrain or frequent sharp turns, can wear them out more quickly.
Regular auto repair maintenance, such as inspecting and replacing damaged CV boots, can extend their lifespan. Paying attention to signs of wear can also ensure your axles remain in good condition for longer.
How Does a Mechanic Replace a CV Axle?
A car repair mechanic will follow these steps to get the job done:
- The mechanic starts by raising the car and securing it using jack stands to ensure it remains stable while accessing the entire axle area.
- Next, they remove the wheel and tire to gain full access to the axle and suspension components.
- They then remove the axle nut and disconnect the ball joint from the lower control arm, freeing the axle from the steering components.
- With precision, they push the axle through the wheel hub and steering knuckle, carefully disengaging it from the suspension system.
- After that, they detach the axle from the transmission. During this step, some transmission or differential fluid may leak from the axle seals.
- The mechanic carefully aligns the new axle into the transmission and reassembles the suspension components.
- Finally, they secure all bolts to manufacturer specifications and replace any lost transmission or differential fluid, which may have leaked when detaching the CV axle from the transmission.
Mechanics typically take 1.5 to 3 hours to complete a single CV axle assembly. If they replace two axles, the time would increase slightly, taking about 2.5 to 4 hours.
For vehicles with all-wheel-drive (AWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems, replacing all four axles can extend the time to around 12 hours, depending on the complexity.
Let AutoNation Mobile Service Handle Your CV Axle Replacement with Ease
A faulty CV axle can lead to serious vehicle issues, and addressing them early can help prevent a costly repair later.
Fortunately, at AutoNation Mobile Service, we bring top-notch mobile mechanics directly to your driveway for maximum convenience. Whether you need an axle replacement, brake service, or any other related repairs, our mechanics can handle it all.
Our mobile car repair service is available 7 days a week, and we offer a 12-month |12,000-mile warranty, so you’re always covered.
Don’t wait — let our mobile mechanics take care of your CV axle replacement today.