Axle Repair & Replacement
Need axle repair in Thousand Oaks? Your vehicle's axles transmit engine power to the wheels, making them essential for safe driving. At Gallardo's Automotive Service, our experienced technicians diagnose axle problems accurately and provide expert CV axle and drive axle repairs for all makes and models.
Warning Signs of Axle Problems
Axle failure can be dangerous. Don't ignore these warning signs:
Sounds and Vibrations
- Clicking noise when turning – classic sign of worn CV joint (most common symptom)
- Clunking sound during acceleration – worn inner CV joint or U-joint
- Humming or growling noise – bearing failure in axle assembly
- Vibration while driving – bent axle shaft or worn CV joint
- Vibration that increases with speed – damaged or unbalanced axle
- Knocking over bumps – excessive play in CV joint
Visual Signs
- Grease splatter – torn CV boot throwing grease on inner fender
- Grease on inside of tire – leaking boot near wheel
- Torn or cracked rubber boot – exposed joint will fail quickly
- Dark spots under vehicle – axle seal or boot leak
Handling Changes
- Vehicle pulls to one side during acceleration
- Shuddering during acceleration – especially from a stop
- Loss of power transfer – wheels don't respond to throttle
Types of Axle Systems We Service
CV Axles (Front-Wheel Drive)
Front-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles use CV (constant velocity) axles with flexible joints at each end:
- Outer CV joint – handles sharp angles during turns
- Inner CV joint – accommodates suspension travel
- CV boots – rubber covers that retain grease and keep out dirt
Rear Axles and Differentials
Rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles use solid axles or independent rear setups:
- Solid axle housing – common in trucks and SUVs
- Independent rear suspension – uses CV-style axles
- Axle bearings and seals
All-Wheel Drive Systems
AWD vehicles have axles at all four wheels plus a center driveshaft, requiring specialized knowledge.
Our Axle Diagnostic Process
What We Inspect
- Visual inspection – check boots for tears, cracks, and grease leaks
- Joint play test – check for excessive movement in CV joints
- Road test – verify symptoms under actual driving conditions
- Lift inspection – rotate wheels to feel for roughness or clicking
- Boot condition – inspect for deterioration before joint damage occurs
- Seal inspection – check for differential and axle seal leaks
Axle Services We Provide
CV Boot Replacement
If caught early, a torn boot can be replaced before the joint is damaged. This saves significant cost compared to full axle replacement.
CV Axle Replacement
When joints are worn or damaged, we replace the complete axle assembly:
- New or remanufactured axles – quality units with warranty
- OEM-spec replacement – exact fit for your vehicle
- Both sides recommended – if one failed, the other often follows
Axle Seal Replacement
Leaking seals allow fluid loss and contamination. We replace transmission and differential seals to prevent further damage.
Wheel Bearing Service
Wheel bearings are often serviced with axle work. Worn bearings cause noise and unsafe handling.
What to Expect: Timeframes
| Service | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Axle Inspection | 30-45 minutes |
| CV Boot Replacement | 1-2 hours per side |
| CV Axle Replacement (one side) | 1-2 hours |
| CV Axle Replacement (both sides) | 2-3 hours |
| Rear Axle Seal Replacement | 2-4 hours |
The Gallardo's Axle Service Advantage
- Accurate diagnosis – we identify exactly which component has failed
- Quality parts – OEM and premium aftermarket axles with warranty
- Complete inspection – we check related components like wheel bearings
- Experienced technicians – FWD, RWD, AWD, and 4WD expertise
- Fair recommendations – boot replacement when possible to save you money
- Warranty coverage – we stand behind our axle repairs
- Financing available through our special financing program
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do CV axles last?
CV axles typically last 100,000-150,000 miles, but boots can fail earlier. Inspect boots regularly – catching a torn boot early can extend axle life significantly.
Can I drive with a clicking CV joint?
Briefly, yes, but it's not recommended. A clicking joint is failing and will eventually break, which can cause loss of vehicle control. Have it inspected promptly.
Why did my CV boot tear?
Boots deteriorate from heat, age, and road debris. Lowered vehicles and those driven on rough roads experience more boot wear. Regular inspection catches tears before joint damage occurs.
Should I replace both axles at once?
If one CV axle fails from wear (not accident damage), the other is likely similar age and condition. Replacing both provides peace of mind and avoids a second repair soon after.
What happens if a CV joint completely fails?
Complete failure at speed can be dangerous. The wheel loses power, and in severe cases, the axle can separate from the vehicle. This is why prompt repair of clicking joints is important.
Related Services
Serving the Conejo Valley & Ventura County
Gallardo's Automotive Service provides expert axle repair to drivers in:
- Thousand Oaks
- Westlake Village
- Newbury Park
- Moorpark
- Agoura Hills
- Oak Park
- Camarillo
- Simi Valley
Hearing clicking when you turn? Call us at (805) 494-9358 or schedule an appointment online for expert axle diagnosis and repair.
At Gallardo's Automotive Service, your complete automotive care center in Thousand Oaks, CA, we'll get your axles working smoothly and safely. Give us a call and let us help keep you safely and economically on the road.
