Cassels Garage

How to Tell if A Pothole Damaged Your Car’s Axel

Published on March 26, 2023
Motorcycle Axle

One of the most common car injuries we see here at Cassels is a broken car axle caused by a pothole on the road. Normally there are 3 telltale signs that your axle has been damaged by driving over one of these road hazards.

Generally speaking, if your car has one of these 2 symptoms it is more than likely a broken axle. First, if your car has unusual vibrations while you are accelerating or braking then it’s more than likely your axel. Second, if your car pulls to the side either left or right then you should look at your axle.

Here at Cassels Garage, we have been serving the greater Brevard area since 1966. We have seen it all come through our doors and would love to put our expertise to work for you. If you have any questions or concerns related to your automobile then simply reach out to us by clicking here and we will talk ‘shop’ with you to make sure you get everything you need.

How A Pothol Could Damage Your Axel: Vibrations

Unusual vibrations are one of the most common signs of damage to the car’s axle. The axle is a critical component of the vehicle’s suspension system, and it is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels while also supporting the weight of the vehicle. The axle is made up of several different parts, including the drive shaft, CV joints, and wheel bearings. Any damage to these parts can cause the axle to malfunction, resulting in vibrations while driving.

One reason that unusual vibrations could mean your axle is broken is because a bent or misaligned axle can cause the wheels to wobble, which can result in vibrations. When the wheels are not aligned properly, it causes uneven wear on the tires, leading to imbalanced vibrations. This imbalance can cause the entire car to vibrate, which can be felt in the steering wheel and throughout the entire vehicle. Additionally, if the drive shaft is damaged, it can cause the car to vibrate when accelerating or decelerating, which can also indicate axle damage.

Another reason that unusual vibrations can be a sign of axle damage is because of damage to the CV joints. The CV joints are responsible for transferring power from the drive shaft to the wheels while allowing for movement of the suspension system. These joints are covered by rubber boots, which protect them from dirt and debris. If these boots are damaged or worn, it can allow dirt and debris to enter the joint, causing damage and leading to vibrations.

Finally, wheel bearings can also cause vibrations when they are damaged. The wheel bearings support the weight of the car and allow the wheels to spin freely. Over time, these bearings can wear out or become damaged due to exposure to heat, water, and dirt. If the bearings are damaged, it can cause the wheels to wobble and create vibrations, which can be felt throughout the car.

In summary, unusual vibrations are a common sign of axle damage because a bent or misaligned axle can cause the wheels to wobble, resulting in imbalanced vibrations. Damage to the CV joints and wheel bearings can also cause vibrations due to the transfer of power from the drive shaft to the wheels. If you experience unusual vibrations while driving, it’s important to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic to determine the root cause of the problem and ensure your safety on the road.

Hitting a Pothole Might Cause Your Car to Drift to the Side When Driving

One of the main things that can happen when you run over a pothole here in Brevard is that your car starts to pull or drift to the side while you are driving it.

If your car is pulling to one side, it could be a sign of damage to the car’s axle. The axle is a crucial component of the car’s suspension system that supports the weight of the vehicle, transmits power from the engine to the wheels, and allows the wheels to move in different directions. A damaged axle can cause a range of problems, including steering issues that make the car pull to one side.

One of the most common reasons for a car pulling to one side due to a broken axle is a misaligned or bent axle. If the axle is bent, it can cause the wheels to be out of alignment, which can result in the car pulling to one side. This can also happen if the axle is not installed correctly or if the suspension system is damaged.

Another reason why a broken axle can cause the car to pull to one side is damage to the CV joints. The CV joints are part of the axle that allows the wheels to move up and down while still transmitting power from the engine to the wheels. If the CV joints are damaged, it can cause the wheels to move in different directions, leading to a pulling sensation while driving.

Furthermore, if one of the wheels on the axle is damaged or has worn out, it can also cause the car to pull to one side. This can happen due to uneven wear on the tire or damage to the wheel bearings, which can cause the wheel to wobble or move unevenly.

In summary, a car pulling to one side can be indicative of a broken axle due to a misaligned or bent axle, damage to the CV joints, or damage to one of the wheels. It’s essential to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic if you experience this issue to ensure that the problem is correctly diagnosed and fixed, and to prevent further damage or safety hazards while driving.

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